Hi How Are You?

Having a feature-length movie recorded on nothing but iPhones and doing so primarily in selfie mode might sound like a strange idea. However, the movie Hi How Are You shows that ultimately, like ever, the substance overcomes the format. In this romantic drama with a strong undercurrent of science fiction, two souls reconnect with each other when a hangover Lou, who is in Paris, decides to call Mani, a rock star from Iran who's in New York. At the same time, a celestial body called MX6292 apparently sets itself on a collision course with the Earth.

Through conversations ranging from video calls between friends to amateur scientists calling into news channels, the unusual video format works well. The film includes many characters that slowly revolve around Lou and Mani, while at the same time, something much larger is taking place in the endless void above. Interestingly, the film also uses plenty of VFX and superimposed elements in its shots, like billboards and other details in external locations, which all work surprisingly harmoniously with each other.

The film was written and directed by Clemy Clarke, who is a French filmmaker living in Los Angeles. Clarke brought an interesting blend of sensibilities to the film, showing something hard to pinpoint geographically, both literally and metaphorically. However, the film's overall ambiance and sensitivity to a changing, interconnected world, which can still feel so lonely, is incredibly poignant.

Through many languages, covering English, French, and Farsi, Hi How Are You? Tells a very natural story of relationships that forever change and evolve, but which still yearn for that essential connection and the love that lies behind it all. Because of that, the element of the mysterious celestial body works so well on focusing the otherwise very loosely threaded story. The film's tragic and powerful culmination, which is fully steeped in music, is, in the end, all about that human connection.

In a very shrewd manner, Clarke bridges so many of these surface ideas of what it is to be alive in this strange and modern world of ours. She then funnels them all towards the core of the film - which is a love story, told from such a strong, universally human, perspective. In the end, the tale of this touching film shows us that it really is all about - love.

Written by Clemy Clarke, Farrell Huntley and Johan Ingler and directed by Clemy Clarke, 'Hi How Are You?' is a refreshing tale of romance set under the backdrop of a world ending event. Heloise Giraud as Lou and Siavash Karampour as Mani are perfect as long distance friends who want to give in to their feelings as a masive asteroid hurtles towards the planet.

Blending drama and romance and throwing some science fiction into the mix, Clarke manages to create a story that will not only tug at your heartstrings but also make you fall in love with the characters themselves. What begins as an innocuous phone call soon turns into something else as Lou and Mani find connection in isolation as the world reels from an existential threat.

The narrative pacing is on point and Clarke manages to make the whole thing mesmerizing. Equally impressive is the acting; both Heloise Giraud and Siavash Karampour manage to be highly impressive and the rest of the cast is fantastic as well.

What makes the entire experience even better is that this film was shot entirely remotely using an iPhone. In addition, the shooting took place across eight different countries. Imagine the sheer logistical issues to make this a reality as the final product is damn well near perfect.

Therefore, Clemy Clark's 'Hi How Are You?' is a fantastic little romance drama, one that reinvigorates and inspires you. The acting is fantastic, the premise great and how the film manages to visualize connection in isolation is a sight to behold. I loved the film and I would recommend it to anyone. Five out of five stars from me.