Relax, I’m From the Future – Fantasia 2022
July 14 to August 3, 2022
A time traveller from the future tries to make the world a better place in Relax, I’m From the Future. Casper (Rhys Darby) is a man from an unspecified time in the future, who arrives in the present day and sets forth a plan in motion, with the assistance of Holly (Gabrielle Graham). A key element of the plan is Percy (Julian Richings), a barista at a cafe, who posthumously would become renowned for his artwork. However, Casper catches the attention of Doris (Janine Theriault), a woman from the future whose job it is to eliminate unwanted time travellers.
Relax, I’m From the Future is a sci-fi comedy from writer/director Luke Higginson based on his 2013 short film of the same name. The film stars Rhys Darby (Flight of the Conchords, What We Do in the Shadows) as Casper, a time traveller from the future, who quickly befriends queer, disillusioned punk Holly, played by Gabrielle Graham (Possessor). Casper has a vague plan to save the world, which includes storing artifacts in a fallout bunker and rigging the lottery and sports. However, Casper makes a mistake that might have dire consequences for the future, resulting in him rushing to course correct.
Relax, I’m From the Future is a film that benefits greatly from the stunt casting of Rhys Darby, who portrays Casper as a loveable loser, who may or may not have a solid plan for saving the world. The film doesn’t bog itself down too much with the logistics of time travel, keeping most of the film in the present and not worrying too much about the paradoxes that will arise. Altogether, Relax, I’m From the Future is an enjoyable sci-fi comedy.
