U Are the Universe

This Ukrainian science fiction film tells the story of astronaut Andriy, a long-distance nuclear waste transporter with a robot named Maxim as his only companion in space. During his return trip, a catastrophic event occurs, leaving Andriy with no Earth to return to – as well as suddenly being the last human being in the universe. But then he receives a signal that suggests he may not be completely alone.

Clever storytelling, deeply tragic events and dry robot jokes flow weightlessly into each other in Pavlo Ostrikov's fascinating debut feature, which evokes associations with Moon, Gravity and even 2001: A Space Odyssey. Led by an impressive performance by Volodymyr Kravchuk, the film is amusing, thrilling and emotionally gripping. While the ongoing war in its country of origin inevitably makes a bleak backdrop, U Are the Universe tells a truly universal story that explores existential questions, as is often the case with great science fiction.  

This film was selected by film critic Aleksander Huser.