Grand Unified Theory

Local Vancouver Producer-Director David Ray has put together a captivating film about our place in the Universe! Genuine characters who speak to the workings of our role in the cosmos and understanding ourselves on a very human level. While addressing relevant recent findings in science and the truth that resonates in all of us, there is also a refreshing sense of humour here: we are given an opportunity to laugh at the members of this family and in doing so at ourselves, not in a mean way but in a gentle compassionate light. I love the characters. I love the landscape and images. I love the story line. I love what Ray has to say about human behaviour, our connection to each other and to the beyond. This is a film to see.

Grand Unified Theory follows the story of an unusual weekend experienced by Albert, an astrophysics professor, and his family of four. So many strange and wacky things happen on this particular weekend that some might call it a "family meltdown." A full nuclear meltdown wouldn't produce many more sparks than this one! LOL!

Intercut with the family's personal dilemmas and misadventures are Albert's lectures at an unnamed university. In this way, the film draws parallels between the forces at work in the universe and the forces at work on human behaviour. Director Ray's film is always fun, but it's never afraid to ask some big questions about life and our place in the universe.

Everything works here: from the crisp cinematography to the terrific ensemble cast. All of the actors are very good, but the performance of Scott Bellis as Albert really stands out in my mind. He seems to have been born to play this role. The same could be said for Kendall Cross, who plays Albert's wife. There is more than one terrific performance in this film.

Anyway, Grand Unified Theory gets a big "thumbs up" from me! If you enjoy quirky indie comedies, you'll probably enjoy this one as much as I did. And hopefully it will get some kind of theatrical release in the future, because this movie's excellent cinematography deserves to be seen on the big screen.

Along with being heartwarming, humanistic, and funny... Grand Unified Theory is intriguing and gets one thinking beyond the navel gazing realm of our consumerist, device oriented culture. It is inspiring! And I look forward to seeing it again. All my fingers turn into thumbs and they are ALL UP!