SERIES REVIEW
INCOMPLETENESS SEASON ONE
The meaning of life and a different kind of storytelling. This is Incompleteness, season 1
WRITING THAT THIS series goes back and forth a lot isn't "exactly" right. Not only does it not follow the standard start to finish way we're used to watching things, but it also has a tendency to change things up. Change scenes and make slight alterations. Very much like a script changed during the actual production of a film. Series creator David Ash states that Incompleteness is a different kind of storytelling, and he's right. As you ponder the meaning of the universe and destiny, brought on by certain episodes of this series, remember this: The point of this show is to try something new so if at first, you don't get it, don't worry you will. Maybe, hopefully. This is a review of the seven episodes that make up season one of Incompleteness.
MUCH LIKE IN REAL LIFE, THIS SHOW DEMONSTRATES THAT RELATIONSHIPS ARE NOT EASY
Paul is finally making a movie of his own and in between that, he is also making another movie that is not fiction. It's about himself. This second project is for the child he is expecting, a child he doesn't think he'll ever get to meet. He's dying of cancer - which is why he quit his job after a promotion to do something for himself. Make his movie. It's during this time that he finds out how unhappy his wife has been, but there really isn't all that much he can do about it at this point.
The series also focuses on us getting to witness a new romance forming. Two actors from Paul's movie are starting thier romantic journey, and it's very weird to watch as these two fumble around with their feelings. Much like in real life, this show demonstrates that relationships are not easy, and when I watched that first date I laughed a little bit... but not as much as I laughed when screenwriter Paul attempts to start a little romantic adventure of his own, with a woman who works at his favorite coffee house. 
THE PERFORMANCES WITHIN INCOMPLETENESS ARE EXCELLENT AND I FEEL THE CAST ARE ALL VERY EXPERIENCED ACTORS
But this series isn't all about romance and fulfilling dreams. It's also about a shady underground biotech company that wants a genetic formula, created by none other than Paul. Paul left this company to work on the movie with Alex, and took his research with him. This company isn't a big happy family like those at Google, and there is a constant threat of death aimed at Paul from these people. The threats are constant and seem like they should be taken very seriously. Paul, with all his social awkwardness, doesn't seem to care. He's driven by thoughts of free will, finding a cure for sickness and death, and his new romance.
Now, let's go back to the confusion elements of this series, and the simple fact not everyone will get it. With any storytelling format that is not as simple as A, to B, to C, some people just won't click. Incompleteness has scenes involving alternate versions of themselves, character changes that 'could' be imagination or 'could' just be just different versions of themselves playing out. Plus, David Ash's show does go back and forth on top of that. It all works out in the end (Sort of) but is trippy in itself. I really loved hearing the conversations about themes well above my head, as well as hearing Paul describe his research. I also felt heartbroken when Alex's wife, in front of a camera, goes on to tell him how she "really" feels about their relationship. The performances within Incompleteness are excellent and I feel that the cast are all experienced actors. IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT, INCOMPLETENESS MAY BE WORTH A WATCH AND A DEEP CONVERSATION AFTER
There's an interesting view presented in this series, how ideas develop and change. How people develop and change. I applaud David Ash for doing things differently, and think independent film is all about that. But I also think that this series is more geared to those with some extra time to spend actually thinking about what they're watching. At some points in the seven episodes, Incompleteness feels like a conversation starter. Akin to a massive centerpiece on a table begging to be discussed. There's a lot to digest and that's a big chunk of what makes this series a good one. Just not for everyone. New beginnings, regrets, and the effects of life choices all play a part in this series and it was a pleasure to have been introduced. If you're looking for something a little bit different, Incompleteness may be worth a watch and a deep conversation after. Hail to the dirty robes and darkened rooms, three and a half stars out of five.
Callum Reds INCOMPLETENESS - Trailer from Dave Ash on Vimeo. DROP A COMMENT, RATE THE MOVIE, OR SHARE?
|
