From Invasion of the Body Snatchers to the '80s TV sensation V, we've seen many examples of an alien invasion deployed as an allegory for fascism. With Meanwhile on Earth, writer/director Jérémy Clapin gives us a fresh perspective on this idea. His film isn't centred on the heroes who try to save Earth from space-Nazis, but rather on a human collaborator, one who is so heartbroken by loss that she's willing to sacrifice her own species, seduced by that classic fascist promise of protecting her loved ones.
Like James Gray's Ad Astra, the starting point here is the disappearance of a cosmonaut. Franck Martens became an instant French hero when he rocketed off on a deep space mission, only to subsequently vanish. Left behind is Franck's teenage sister Elsa (Megan Northam), who is so devastated by grief that she opted out of attending art school and now works as a nurse in the old folks' home run by her mother (Catherine Salée).
Elsa pays tribute to her brother in Turk 182 fashion by spray-painting his initial around town, including on the monument erected in his honour in the middle of a roundabout. She also likes to go to the highest point in her town and gaze at the stars. One night while at this vantage point she notices a strange phenomenon: dirt and gravel floating in a small circle as though inside a whirlwind. When Elsa steps inside the circle she is shocked to hear the voice of Franck, who informs her he is being held captive. She's then greeted by the voice of an alien being, who promises to return Franck if Elsa co-operates in facilitating the arrival of five aliens on Earth. Desperate to be reunited with her brother, Elsa immediately agrees, initially unaware of what's expected of her.
Meanwhile on Earth's early stargazing Spielbergian wonder makes a seamless transition into cosmic horror as Elsa finds herself at the centre of what is most likely a hostile invasion of her planet by alien forces. In the fashion of Audrey in The Little Shop of Horrors and Frank in Hellraiser (might "Franck" be a nod to this influence?), the alien requires human sacrifice to facilitate its plan. Elsa must lure five victims to a spot in the woods, where they will be replaced Body Snatchers style by aliens who will inhabit their bodies.
When it comes to our families we all have the potential to commit atrocities, narcissistically but understandably believing that the lives of our loved ones have more value than those of strangers. Elsa is a particularly tragic case as when we meet her first she's a loving person whose job literally requires her to look after the weak and vulnerable. But the promise of a reunion with her brother sees her turn against those she once served. Using a form of eugenics to justify her actions, Elsa selects victims she believes are less worthy of living than others, including residents of her nursing home and a homeless heroin addict (Sabine Timoteo). The latter has the digits of her mother's phone number tattooed on her forearm, and the striking resemblance to a concentration camp tattoo makes the metaphor all too clear.
Clapin made his feature debut with the animated tale I Lost My Body, in which a severed hand attempts to be reunited with the rest of its body. Here Elsa takes the place of the hand, convinced that only being reunited with her brother can make her whole again. Clapin employs several animated sequences to visualise Elsa and Franck's communication, and though unaware of just what she's gotten herself involved in, Franck becomes his sister's conscience, pleading with her to move on and stop living in the past. These sequences have the look of a '70s cartoon, such as the animated Star Trek series, but it's implied they're based on the comics drawn by budding artist Elsa before heartbreak saw her lock her dreams away.
Despite its fantastical elements, some of which might even be dismissed as silly by less forgiving viewers, Meanwhile on Earth always feels grounded thanks to the relatable and recognisable nature of its tragedy. As the alien voice in Elsa's ear seduces her with likely empty promises, it's difficult not to think of politicians who turn good people into mouth-frothing mobs by exploiting their fears regarding keeping their families safe. But it's the fabulous performance of newcomer Northam that anchors Meanwhile on Earth and keeps it on its cosmic course. Resembling a young Lea Seydoux, she never fails to sell the pain dogging Elsa's heart, and later the inner turmoil as she reckons with her awful actions. This sci-fi thriller may play out entirely on Earth, but Northam's performance is simply stellar.
Directed by: Jérémy Clapin
Starring: Megan Northam, Catherine Salée, Sam Louwyck, Roman Williams, Sofia Lesaffre
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