Save Yourselves!
Movie Trailer
Release Date
October 2, 2020
Genre
Comedy, Sci-Fi
Cast & Crew
- Sunita Mani as Su
- John Reynolds as Jack
- Ben Sinclair as Raph
- John Early as Blake
- Johanna Day as Judy
- Gary Clark as Chuck
Director
Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson
Other Movies Director is Known For
- Snowy Bing Bongs Across the North Star Combat Zone (2017)
Producer
- Kara Durrett
- Mandy Tagger Brockey
- Adi Ezroni
- Matthew Perniciaro
Writer
- Alex Huston Fischer
- Eleanor Wilson
Budget
Estimated $2 million
Production Company
- Bleecker Street
- Keshet Studios
- Irony Point
Running Time
93 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Mild language
- Sci-fi violence
- Some comedic peril
Movie Story
“Save Yourselves!” is a quirky sci-fi comedy that follows the story of a young Brooklyn couple, Su (Sunita Mani) and Jack (John Reynolds), who decide to disconnect from their digital lives and reconnect with each other by taking a week-long trip to a remote cabin in the woods. Unbeknownst to them, while they’re offline and trying to reconnect with nature, the Earth is under attack by alien creatures known as “pouffes”—cute but deadly creatures that look like fluffy ottomans.
Su and Jack, oblivious to the chaos unfolding around them due to their self-imposed digital detox, begin to notice strange occurrences, like odd noises outside the cabin and the sudden disappearance of their food and supplies. When they finally realize that something is seriously wrong, they discover the pouffes and understand that they are in the middle of an alien invasion.
As they try to survive and figure out what to do, Su and Jack must rely on each other and their wits, which leads to a series of comedic and sometimes harrowing situations. The film explores themes of dependency on technology, relationships, and the modern world’s disconnection from reality. Despite the absurdity of their situation, Su and Jack’s journey is also a story of personal growth and the importance of human connection.
Special Effects
The special effects in “Save Yourselves!” are intentionally low-key and humorous, with the alien creatures designed to look both adorable and menacing. The pouffes are a key visual element, and their simple yet effective design adds to the film’s comedic tone. The effects are used to enhance the comedic elements rather than to create a traditional sci-fi spectacle, aligning with the film’s indie, offbeat vibe.
Box Office Performance
“Save Yourselves!” was released during the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted its theatrical release. However, it found an audience through video-on-demand and streaming platforms. The film was well-received by critics and audiences who appreciated its humor, originality, and the performances of its leads. It became a cult favorite among fans of indie comedies and sci-fi.
Filming Locations
- New York City, New York, USA
- Upstate New York, USA
Notable Quotes
- “We came here to get away from technology, and now it’s the only thing that can save us!” – Jack
- “We’re disconnected, but the world is falling apart!” – Su
- “What if we just… don’t go back?” – Jack
Behind-the-Scenes
“Save Yourselves!” was co-written and directed by Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, who wanted to create a film that combined their love of sci-fi with a satirical look at modern relationships and society’s reliance on technology. The chemistry between Sunita Mani and John Reynolds was crucial to the film’s success, as their natural comedic timing and relatable portrayals of a millennial couple ground the film’s absurd premise in emotional reality.
Awards
- Nominated for the Audience Award at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival
- Nominated for Best First Screenplay at the 2021 Independent Spirit Awards
Final Verdict
“Save Yourselves!” is a clever and entertaining sci-fi comedy that offers a fresh take on the alien invasion genre. With its unique blend of humor, satire, and heart, the film stands out as a charming indie gem. The performances by Sunita Mani and John Reynolds are delightful, bringing a relatable and funny dynamic to their roles as a couple caught in an unexpected crisis. The film’s playful approach to its subject matter, combined with its thought-provoking themes, makes it a must-watch for fans of offbeat comedies and sci-fi alike.
IMDb Rating
5.8/10