Infinity Baby

I really liked Infinity Baby. After reading that it opened to uproarious laughs, I found the humor somewhat quieter than I was expecting. That said, I saw it in the afternoon on a weekday at SFIFF, so we were probably a less lubricated, tamer crowd.

Kieran Culkin as Ben is great, and every woman in the cast gives a stand-out performance. One of the best tricks of the film is how we watch Trieste Kelly Dunn's character Allison through Ben's warped perspective, and then later see her personality re-framed more objectively. This is in part, thanks to Dunn's acting, though I'm sure it's also in the direction. Having seen it only once, I can't put my finger on how the shift is so palpably realized, but it's fantastic. I'm pretty sure there's no sound effect of a record screeching to a halt in the soundtrack, but that's the feeling that is captured during that scene.

After an intentionally-predictable (and perfect) plot twist, the film hits its stride both in terms of humor and its hints at depth, but then it ends, sooner than you'll want it to. It makes sense that the laughs would build once we're familiar with the world of the movie, but I'm not sure the depth felt earned or explored as much as it could have been.

Nick Offerman is a lovable actor, and while I love watching him as Neo, it also felt to me like he was being brandished like a secret weapon, when this movie didn't need a secret weapon. Everything and everyone around him in Infinity Baby is already strong and held more surprise.

After the screening, I waited in line for the restroom and a man (whom I later confirmed was the critic for Variety) asked me skeptically, "Did you get something from that?" I said an agnostic "I did, yes." He said that the movies make him laugh a bit but don't amount to anything for him. I felt a little tongue-tied, and conveniently the restroom became available just then, so I said "I have many thoughts about this, but I'm going to go to the restroom now."

The main thought I opted not to share with the critic is that my review is biased by an unwieldy crush I have on Bob Byington, whom I met by happenstance last November before I'd ever seen any of his movies.

The unique premise of babies that don't age is an interesting side plot to provide an effective allegory for the main plot. The performances from the ensemble cast are appropriately dry and very entertaining and the cinematography adds a lot to the quirky yet formal tone. I would recommend this film to anyone in the mood to think. This film is a slow burn, but a very good, very effective slow burn.

The ending is worth the wait. But, you must endure a bleak depiction of the 21st century dating scene, and a story line that questions the motives of those who have kids for the wrong reasons. A good question, just a little awkwardly put forth. While the movie is a 7, the ending is a 9.

The film is a bit uneven with humour and pacing but it was definitely funny and quite interesting. Acting was very good and I enjoyed the dark comic satire and the implicit examination of apathy in America. Rewarding for lovers of indie film.

While not exactly a masterpiece, "Infinity Baby" takes on a social issue that many are too self-conscious to examine for themselves -- when does not caring stop being cool?

Babies that don't age is a funny premise that initially drew me to this film. It's funny and oddly disturbing, and so is "Infinity Baby." Without spoiling what is a slow burn (despite it's tiny 80 minute runtime), I can tell you that the film is absurd and hard to piece together for the first hour or so, and takes a swift and dark turn for its climax.

The characters are wonderfully scripted, and all are memorable (although some roles are much smaller than others). A stellar cast full of energetic actors delivers an overall incredible performance, all while preserving a sense of spontaneity that matches nicely with the film's black-and-white tone. Despite having a plot that seems to be on par with those of "Black Mirror," the film never loses awareness of its own quirk and is consistently funny (although in more of an Andy Kaufman way and less of a Kevin Hart way, if you get me).

Those who enjoy criticism of social issues, absurdism, and who appreciate a slow-burn should definitely check out this film. While not game-changing, it's an enjoyable and brief watch.