Name: Jules
Genre: Comedy, Science Fiction, Drama
Released: 2023-08-10T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Ben Kingsley, Harriet Sansom Harris, Jane Curtin, Jade Quon, Teddy Cañez

The alien ship lands in Milton’s backyard with a thud that shakes the foundation of his modest suburban home. This is the quiet, unassuming opening to Marc Turtletaub’s Jules (2023), a film that blends science fiction, comedy, and drama with varying degrees of success.

At its core, Jules follows Milton Robinson (Ben Kingsley), an elderly man struggling with memory loss, who befriends the eponymous alien (Jade Quon) after her spaceship crash-lands in his backyard. The film’s premise is charmingly straightforward: a lonely old man and a scared extraterrestrial form an unlikely bond. Turtletaub, known for his work on Puzzle (2018), brings a sense of warmth to the material, grounding the sci-fi elements in emotional authenticity.

What works best in Jules are the quieter moments between Kingsley and Quon. Kingsley’s performance is understated yet deeply affecting, capturing Milton’s vulnerability and occasional flashes of wit with subtle precision. His chemistry with Quon, who brings a childlike innocence to Jules, is the film’s emotional anchor. The scenes where they share quiet conversations or explore Milton’s backyard have an endearing simplicity that makes their bond feel genuine.

The film also benefits from its supporting cast, particularly Harriet Sansom Harris as Sandy and Jane Curtin as Joyce, Milton’s neighbors who become entangled in his alien predicament. Their performances add layers of humor and heart to the story, balancing the more fantastical elements with grounded, relatable dynamics. Harris, in particular, shines in her role as Sandy, a sharp-witted and resourceful neighbor who becomes an unlikely ally for Milton and Jules. Curtin’s portrayal of Joyce, meanwhile, brings a sense of warmth and maternal concern that adds depth to the film’s emotional core.

However, Jules stumbles when it tries to expand its scope. The third act introduces a subplot involving local politicians (Teddy Cañez as Mayor Martinez and Narea Kang as Councilwoman Wu) who discover Jules’ existence and attempt to exploit her presence for their own gain. This shift from intimate character drama to political satire feels abrupt and unevenly executed. The film’s tone wavers between heartfelt comedy and heavy-handed commentary, and the transition is jarring.

Visually, Jules has moments of charm but lacks a distinct aesthetic identity. The alien ship design is functional but unremarkable, and the film’s suburban setting, while cozy, doesn’t offer much in terms of visual innovation. The pacing also drags in places, particularly during the middle act, where the story meanders without clear forward momentum.

The film’s originality lies in its premise—a sci-fi story centered on an elderly protagonist—but it doesn’t fully capitalize on this fresh perspective. The political subplot feels tacked on and underdeveloped, diluting the film’s emotional core. While Jules has a unique hook, it struggles to maintain a consistent tone or narrative focus.

Thematically, Jules explores themes of loneliness, companionship, and the search for belonging. Milton’s struggle with memory loss is a poignant backdrop to his relationship with Jules, highlighting the universal human need for connection. The film also touches on the idea of otherness, both in terms of Milton’s isolation within his community and Jules’ alien status.

In comparison to other films that blend science fiction with drama, Jules falls short of the emotional depth and narrative cohesion found in works like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) or The Iron Giant (1999). These films successfully balance their fantastical elements with heartfelt storytelling, whereas Jules struggles to find a consistent tone.

Audience-wise, Jules will likely appeal to fans of low-key, character-driven dramas and those who enjoy science fiction with a touch of humor. However, viewers looking for a more tightly plotted or visually striking film may find it lacking.

Ultimately, Jules is a film of small joys and missed opportunities. Kingsley and Quon’s performances are its greatest strengths, but the film’s uneven storytelling and tonal shifts hold it back from being truly memorable.