Unidentified Objects does exactly that in a thoughtful, jarring, and intimate way. Directed by Juan Felipe Zuleta from a screenplay by Leland Frankel, Unidentified Objects is a surprisingly beautiful film that explores self-image, perception, and feeling marginalized in a society that is quick to ignore rather than understand. Supported by charming performances from Matthew Jeffers and Sarah Hay, the film, with its misleading title, is well worth watching.
Peter (Matthew Jeffers), a reclusive gay man with dwarfism, has many medical bills, physical and emotional pain, and harbors a lot of anger against the world. When his neighbor, Winona (Sarah Hay), borrows Peter's car to drive to a remote area in Canada claiming she's being picked up by aliens from the Andromeda galaxy, Peter is hesitant and frustrated that she's even asking him for a favor. so appalling. With the promise of payment and curiosity leading her, Peter agrees to let Winona drive the car to Canada on one condition: Peter accompanies her. Together they embark on a journey that will solidify their friendship, despite starting off on the wrong foot, and transform Peter as he wrestles with himself, his guilt, his anger, and his worldview.
Director: Juan Felipe Zuleta
Writers: Leland Frankel, Juan Felipe Zuleta
Stars: Sarah Hay, Matthew Jeffers, Roy Abramsohn
Unidentified Objects is a road trip drama that is exemplary in its handling of its themes. Peter doesn't believe that Winona is telling the truth about being chosen by aliens, but as events unfold, the idea that there is alien life is paired with exploring Peter's life and feeling him as an outcast. . In one particularly heartbreaking scene, Peter is told to get out of the car and is questioned by a cop, or so it seems. At times, the film blurs the line between reality and dreams to great effect, bringing out Peter's past and emotions and forcing him to confront them rather than hide from them as he has for so long. Unidentified Objects is patient as it explores Peter's inner life, the confusion and pain he feels, as well as the anger and ultimately the wonder of the world at the end. While the movie sets up a wild premise about aliens, it's not interested in focusing on the unknown. Rather, Zuleta and Frankel use the possible existence of aliens as a starting point to engage with Peter's humanity.
Identity plays a crucial role in Unidentified Objects, which shows not only how Peter perceives himself, but also how he sees others and vice versa. He also deals with sexuality and guilt with sensitivity and consideration. Of course, the movie would not be so moving and profound if it were not for the outstanding performance of Matthew Jeffers. The actor, through soulful eyes, expressions, inflection and body language, masterfully conveys Peter's emotions. There is so much about this man and he is so repressed that, for a while, it seems like Peter will never open up. However, Jeffers is able to switch between Peter's irritable temper and Peter's vulnerability quite well, showing the audience just how multifaceted the character really is. Sarah Hay is also fantastic, imbuing Winona with wonder, sensitivity, and childish grit. Like Peter, Winona isn't just what people see on the surface and Hay beautifully portrays the dimensions of her.
All of that said, Unidentified Objects doesn't give Winona as much characterization and interiority as Peter. She has less to do and is more of a partner in her own personal journey than anything else. While the actors have great chemistry together, the story could have explored Winona more. What's more, the movie slows down at the halfway point before picking up again, almost as if it's starting to get a little off track before finding its way back. Without a doubt, these things do not take away from the quality of the film. It's compelling and intriguing, focusing on two people who wouldn't have been friends at all if they hadn't taken an unexpected road trip together.
Watch Unidentified Objects 2022 Movie Trailer
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