Written and directed by Simon Ryninks, Out There may have a UFO backdrop but it also seems to be an intensely personal comedy drama. Worried for her missing scientist father, amateur stargazing teenager Amber – played by Nerys Amber Stocks – sets about trying to find out what has become of him, with the help of flying saucer conspiracy theorist, Bryn.
Bryn’s played by Aneurin Bernard, a mainstay in several Welsh productions including Mr Burton, Ironclad, Men Up, The Pact and The Way; he got his start via the It’s My Shout short film scheme under the guidance of Roger Burnell, and appeared in Owl Creek Bridge nearly 20 years ago. Since then, he has balanced homegrown fare with starring roles in the likes of Dunkirk and upcoming animation Rogue Trooper, directed by Duncan Jones.
Here, he teams with psychic Shifty Gruff who’s played by ubiquitous star of stage and screen Michael Sheen, and who may or may not be able to help in their quest. Best mate Maz (Tom Moya) is along for the ride too, and the wider cast also includes Alice Lowe (Timestalker, Black Mountain Poets), Iwan Rheon (Game Of Thrones, Christmas Number One, the upcoming The Rapture) and local actors Matthew Aubrey, Gwydion Rhys and Remy Beasley.
Set in the more analogue 1990s, director Ryninks wanted to fashion a film that was a very human story, dealing with a core question. “How do we engage critically with people’s beliefs while still trying to understand where they come from?” says Ryninks. “That question feels especially important right now.” He’s making his debut as a feature film scriptwriter, following short film successes The Plunge and Contractor 014352.
A heartfelt family-friendly comedy with exploding campervans, Spielbergian close encounters and a distinctly Welsh flavour, this should be worth a watch following its premiere in Edinburgh this month.
Out There is screened at Filmhouse, Cineworld and The Cameo as part of the Edinburgh International Film Festival from Fri 14-Tue 18 Aug.
Info: here
words KEIRON SELF
