YOU ARE HERE: Comedy in a Cosmic Revelation
Want to know a secret to happiness? Compartmentalization. Whether it’s intentional or subconscious, our brains must compartmentalize at least some information. If we were constantly thinking about our own death, it would consume us and affect our day-to-day experience. When we become aware of our place in the universe, on this rock hurtling around the sun at ludicrous speeds within a galaxy within a universe, it can mess with your perspective of place or purpose.
Do you have that feeling of anxiety or dread yet? Good. Now you’re on the same page as Peter in Michael Friberg’s newest short, You Are Here, which blends comedy and existentialism as one man grapples with the sheer scope of existence.
A Man and His Stars
In Midvale, U.S.A., it’s business as usual for Peter Kleebold (Lehi Falepapalangi) at his insurance company. The cool blue tint of the office indicates that nothing exciting happens here, except for how angry everyone gets when Marsha (Annie Flowers) microwaves broccoli for lunch. All is well until Peter sees it: A full-page photo in the newspaper that reads “Milky Way Galaxy now thought to contain 250 Billion Stars.” This one awe-inspiring fact alters not only his morning, but his day, his perspective, and the rest of his life.
In a brisk seven minutes, writer-director Friberg delivers a film at once funny and thought-provoking. Falepapalangi is a standout force, lending the character of Peter such amazement and conviction that you would believe he also just learned about the scope of the universe in that moment. He’s also flanked by a supporting cast of office workers including Flowers, as well as Bridget Elsabe Galanis and Cameron Sawyer, whose strong performances are all too brief. I’d watch an extended short of the full struggles of these coworkers microwaving broccoli and ground beef, arguing about each other’s crazy office lunches. In addition, the use of color to highlight Peter’s journey to a life with a fresh perspective adds another layer of beauty to the film, along with the score composed by Zach Galanis.
Conclusion:
You Are Here is a journey worth every second of viewing. Peter’s reaction to our seemingly insignificant existence in the grand scheme of the universe is not only understandable, but quite relatable. Due to its runtime, the workplace humor is delightful but fleeting, leaving me wishing this was a longer film so I could laugh a little bit longer before spending my afternoon Googling the size of our universe. It’s approximately 93 billion light-years in diameter, or 540 sextillion miles. You’re welcome.
You Are Here will have its West Coast premiere at Dances With Films on June 25th, 2024.
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