TIFF 2024: U Are the Universe (by Pavlo Ostrikov) | Review
Pavlo Ostrikov’s galactic Romeo and Juliet tale, which takes love beyond Earth’s orbit, gracefully sparks with gravity in this year’s TIFF Discovery entry.
Is it possible for love to transcend space and time? Does the question have any basis in scientific law, or could a formula in physics address it? Maybe there’s more significance beneath the surface of the phrase “love you to the moon and back”? Pavlo Ostrikov takes these ideas and embarks on a winding journey through the complexities of his TIFF-selected film, U Are the Universe (ТИ – КОСМОС).
Andriy (Volodymyr Kravchuk), a lone space trucker from Khmelnytskyi, operates a cargo spaceship named Obriy, transporting nuclear waste from Earth to Jupiter’s moon Callisto on a four-year work assignment. Andriy relies on his robot, Maxim (Leonid Popadko), for everything—from communication to passing the time. Though Maxim has a vast repertoire of jokes, surpassing those of stand-up comedians, Andriy doesn’t find them particularly appealing. He treats Maxim more like a roommate or buddy, similar to the character in Ted, but with far less vulgarity.
One routine day, Andriy is startled by a bright light ahead. Maxim then informs him that Earth has exploded, leaving Andriy as the last human in the universe. Ostrikov creates a void of potential reality, aware that the end of humanity may be imminent. Yet, while this might devastate some, Andriy takes it lightly and even enjoys the solitude—until the reality of his loneliness begins to dawn on him. Then, a message arrives in his inbox, spoken by a woman named Catherine (voiced by Alexia Depicker).
Ukrainian director Pavlo Ostrikov draws directorial inspiration from Alfonso Cuarón’s Gravity, particularly the “turbulence of space travel” aspect, but the central premise here is different. Will Forte’s humorous portrayal in The Last Man on Earth is lightly echoed, but U Are the Universe focuses primarily on Andriy’s perspective—how he processes this new reality and finds solace in his autonomy. Being the “chosen one” gives him a sense of freedom, but the harshness of his isolation gradually sinks in. Ostrikov initially presents glimpses of Andriy enjoying a rare peace—a contemporary experience that many, strangely, yearn for. However, Catherine’s arrival introduces the one thing humans cling to: love.
The film beautifully explores the emotional depth of humanity, even beyond Earth’s orbit. Love, here, is portrayed as an internal force, no longer influenced by the environment but evolving from within, perhaps symbolizing “eternal love.” Ostrikov crafts a narrative of conditional love that transcends language, physical appearance, and distance, even when nothing else remains. It’s a love that takes root and blossoms, much like discovering a connection with someone across the globe through online chatting. The phrase “love is blind; love knows no boundaries” is brought to life in this cosmic context, though the film doesn’t seek certainty—it only aims to make its presence felt.
The ensemble cast plays an essential role in the film’s success, supporting the emotional and technical integrity of the story. The visual effects (Magic Media VFX & Cinematics), especially in depicting the spaceship and meteorite fields, are captured with precision and quality, reminiscent of Duncan Jones’ Moon. Production designer Vlad Odudenko significantly enhances the feeling of claustrophobia within the spaceship—an aspect worth commending. Ostrikov’s ability to blend a love story with extravagant, high-budget sci-fi visuals feels innovative and almost hypnotic to witness.
While this tale of love unfolds across space, the juxtaposition of loneliness and solace through affection offers a soothing moment for those affected by the ongoing violence in Ukraine and other parts of the world. U Are the Universe is a love story unlike any other. It relocates the essence of love from the confines of space and time to a vibrant cosmos, sparking gracefully within its boundaries. There are no scientific interventions here—just the chemistry between two distant souls and their emotional response to love. William Shakespeare would undoubtedly be proud of Pavlo Ostrikov’s depiction of love and the gravity it carries.
Explore our coverage of the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival here.
