Somewhere in a not-so-distant future England, an alarm blares. A researcher sequestered to a dark little room in a military base awakens, hungover. He quickly wipes his computer's drives and leaves. In an unused facility nearby, he retrieves a briefcase, putting him in contact with a skilled and serious government agent, Ellen. After forcing the professor to get in her car, they start driving toward a new safehouse, but they’re stopped on the road by someone claiming to be in charge of the professor’s case. Ellen quickly deducts that something is wrong and kills the man before driving away. However, once they reach the safehouse, the dead man reappears, leaving Ellen shot and confused when she kills him a second time. The professor reveals that not everything is as it appears, admitting to being at the center of an alien conspiracy to enslave the earth. Only by abandoning her duty and career can Ellen help to keep the professor safe from interdimensional bounty hunters and figure out how to end the conspiracy.
Beyond Existence is—like many selections from Indican Pictures—a bit hit-or-miss at moments. The worldbuilding is a little rough, the filmmaking is mostly excellent but a little shaky (both literally and figuratively) at times, and some things lack proper introduction or explanation. Where Beyond Existence makes up for these issues is its creative storytelling concepts and imaginative sci-fi adventure on a budget. This movie excels in its use of sarcastic dialogue. Fans of indie film will be enthralled, and even people used to multi-milllion-dollar blockbusters will quickly fall in love with the comical inversion of buddy movie dynamics. I tend to like my sci-fi a bit more cerebral, but the film gave me the same level of enjoyment as an average episode of The X-Files. If your patrons like low-budget movies, creative filmmaking, or sci-fi mysteries, they’ll likely enjoy Beyond Existence. Highly Recommended.
Is this sci-fi indie film a good fit for library collections?
Yes, particularly for libraries that support indie film collections or serve patrons with an interest in science fiction and experimental storytelling. While the film’s rough edges may not appeal to all viewers, its creativity, humor, and ambitious concepts make it a strong addition for audiences looking beyond mainstream releases. It offers something distinct from higher-budget sci-fi, which can help diversify a collection.
Is Beyond Existence a strong choice for film clubs or genre programming?
Beyond Existence works well in film club settings, especially those focused on sci-fi, indie cinema, or low-budget filmmaking. Its mix of humor, mystery, and unconventional storytelling provides plenty of material for discussion, from its narrative structure to its genre influences. Fans of shows like The X-Files or audiences interested in creative, dialogue-driven sci-fi will likely find it engaging, making it a solid pick for niche programming or themed screenings.
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