A mix of comedy, drama and mystery, ‘Biosphere’ follows two men, Billy and Ray, living out their days under a protective dome. The film follows the two as they face challenges and adapt to the situation in trying to save themselves and humanity.
Secretive and ambiguous about how and why the two got there, the film drops us straight into the thick of it. We follow the men’s routine, - morning runs, shared meals, reading at leisure. It is revealed that Billy (Mark Duplass) had been the US commander in chief, with Ray (Sterling K. Brown) as his advisor, with Billy’s short stint as president resulting in the two now living in what can presumably only be a fallout shelter.
Helping them survive is Ray’s design of the shelter, wherein he had installed a pond, serving as the lungs and food source for the men. Noticing that their last female fish has died, Billy despairs. To both men’s surprise, one of the two surviving males transitions and transforms, - changing its gender to ensure a continuation of the species.
Mirroring that same change, Billy soon experiences sequential hermaphroditism, with his sex organs changing to that of a female’s. Confused and conflicted, Duplass and Brown deliver a slew of awkward, cringeworthy and introspective discussions on what it means to be a man, changing perspectives and scientific curiosity.
Confined to a claustrophobic arena, the film finds room to discuss weighty topics and allows for the two men to explore their views on masculinity and to examine the environment they grew up in, having formed their existing views on what it means to be a man through their individual experiences, and largely influenced by their parents.
The science fiction aspect of the accelerated evolution of Duplass’ Billy sets forth an often uncomfortable dialogue about duty and broadening one’s horizons. After having come to terms with his change, Billy allows himself to explore what this may mean for the future. Accepting that they may be the last humans on earth, Billy works in convincing Ray to see if they can procreate.
What follows is not just a cheap way of provoking a response, but rather an unexpected insight into a very intimate relationship. The film veers towards examining the give and take between the two characters, with their roles having shifted,- where Billy used to be the skittish and anxious individual, he has now become the rock for the pair. Having conceived a child, a nervous Ray is reassured by Billy that even though they face almost insurmountable challenges, there is hope for the future.
Unexpectedly bizarre and hilarious, ‘Biosphere’ tackles a number of hard to discuss topics through science fiction. Director/writer Mel Eslyn (co-writing with Duplass) manage to talk about men being men where sequential hermaphroditism is possible for humans, with the film opening the door to a vast array of contemporary issues, allowing people to ruminate on what it means to be a man, and what taking responsibility looks like. Cringeworthy and surprisingly sweet, ‘Biosphere’ provides plenty of room for growth and development.
Score: 3/4
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