Carolin Daubner
Am I a fan of science fiction movies about multiverses? No, but this movie masterpiece is so much more about dealing with the most profound existential insecurity, depression, and the gnawing question of whether one could not have led a better life. This is exactly how Evelyn Wang, a Chinese immigrant, feels as she grapples with the tax problems of her laundromat, meanwhile, her relationship with her daughter also seems to be crumbling and her husband is seeking to divorce her. Sitting in front of the mountain of receipts before tax auditor Deidre, she contemplates her life choices:
‘What if she hadn’t listened to her husband Raymond in Shanghai and his plea for her to leave America together? Would she perhaps have been happier than in her current life with a failing laundromat, an incompetent husband, a grumpy father, and an ungrateful daughter on her hands?’ Deidre threatens tax evasion, which could cost her family their laundromat on top of everything else. Still, then – miraculously – a heroic and charming Raymond arrives from across the universe and begs her, of all people, to save the world. The unfolding of the universe turns Evelyn’s whole world upside down as she attempts to prevent her death from an unknown evil.
Absurd, creative, original, and crazy. Truly a film like no other I have ever seen! The outlandish and inexhaustible ideas, such as the film reference to Ratatouille, appear at a dizzying pace. The film was a roller coaster ride that never ceased to confuse and elicit laughter throughout its two-hour running time, whilst still capturing my captivation.
The film manages to appeal to everyone by successfully covering pretty much all genres from science multiverse, arthouse, drama, and comedy. Evelyn’s adventure, despite being whimsical, still achieves to deliver a heartwarming story about family and reflection on life.
From the actors’ performances to the elaborate costumes paired with the colorful set design creates an outstanding film that has definitely conquered my heart as it brought me to the ground laughing, only to move me to tears. A must-watch for everyone (over 16)!
Carolin Daubner