Jules 2023
Directed by
Marc Turtletaub
Made by
Bleecker Street Media
Plot Summary
Milton Robinson, a 79-year-old widower living alone, frequently attends city council meetings and leans on his daughter for help. His life takes a sudden turn when a spaceship crash-lands in his flower garden, revealing a blue humanoid alien. Desperate for assistance, Milton attempts to contact the police and his daughter, but they dismiss his claims as signs of his senility. Undeterred, Milton welcomes the alien as a houseguest, soon discovering its peculiar diet: it only consumes apples.
During a visit, Milton’s acquaintance Sandy stumbles upon the alien and warns him to keep it a secret. Another resident, Joyce, also encounters the extraterrestrial. While Sandy names the alien “Jules,” Joyce prefers “Gary,” in homage to singer-songwriter Gary Jules. As Jules struggles to repair its spaceship, Milton’s daughter, Denise, learns of her father’s eccentricities and insists on a mental evaluation. The assessment reveals Milton’s deteriorating mental state, leading to suggestions of assisted living, which angers him and results in his abrupt departure.
Further complicating matters, Sandy fights off a young burglar in her home. When she threatens to alert the police, Jules inadvertently protects her by telepathically causing the assailant’s head to explode, drawing the attention of the NSA, which is already investigating the crash site. As the chaos unfolds, Milton, Sandy, and Joyce discover that Jules needs seven dead cats for the spaceship’s power. While grappling with his mental decline, Milton and Sandy set off to procure the required felines, unaware of the police following them. In a sacrifice for the mission, Joyce offers up her own deaf and blind cat.
After epic trials, Jules ultimately invites the trio to embark on an adventure aboard the spaceship. Although Milton hesitates, a sudden intrusion by the NSA compels him, Sandy, and Joyce to make their escape in the UFO. Jules eventually deposits them at a new location, and they part ways. As time passes, Milton’s mental state continues to decline, but he is visited once more by Jules, reminding viewers of the profound bond formed between an elderly man and an alien in extraordinary circumstances.
Timeline
Milton's Solitary Life
Milton Robinson, a 79-year-old widower, lives alone and often attends city council meetings. He relies on his daughter for assistance and companionship, leading to a lonely yet structured life.
The Crash Landing
Milton's mundane existence is disrupted when a spaceship crash-lands in his flower garden. This event marks the beginning of an extraordinary adventure, introducing Milton to an unexpected alien visitor.
First Contact
The crash reveals a blue humanoid alien, prompting Milton to reach out for help. However, when he tries to contact the police and his daughter, they dismiss his claims, attributing them to his old age.
Welcoming Jules
Despite the disbelief of others, Milton decides to keep the alien, whom he names Jules, as a houseguest. He soon learns that Jules has a unique diet, only consuming apples.
Keeping Secrets
Milton's friend Sandy discovers Jules and advises him to keep the alien a secret. This creates a bond between Milton and Sandy as they navigate the peculiar situation together.
Name Dispute
Joyce, another resident, finds out about the alien and suggests a different name for it, preferring 'Gary' in honor of singer-songwriter Gary Jules. This playful naming dispute adds a lighthearted element to the unfolding events.
Mental Evaluation
Milton's daughter, Denise, becomes concerned about her father's eccentric behavior and insists on a mental evaluation. The evaluation reveals Milton's declining mental state, leading to frustrations and thoughts of assisted living.
Burglary and Protection
Sandy encounters a young burglar in her home. As she threatens to call the police, Jules inadvertently protects her by using telepathy, causing the burglar's head to explode, which catches the attention of the NSA.
The Cat Quest
Milton, Sandy, and Joyce learn that Jules needs seven dead cats to power the spaceship. They embark on a mission to procure the cats, leading them into humorous and dangerous predicaments.
Joyce's Sacrifice
In an effort to help, Joyce offers her own deaf and blind cat for the mission. This act of sacrifice highlights the growing camaraderie among the trio as they work together towards a common goal.
The Escape
As they gather the required cats, an intrusion by the NSA forces Milton, Sandy, and Joyce to escape aboard the spaceship. The escape marks a thrilling turn in their extraordinary adventure with Jules.
New Adventures
Jules transports the trio to a new location, marking the end of their escape. The experience strengthens their relationship and leaves them with a sense of adventure and excitement about what lies ahead.
Milton's Decline
As time passes after the adventure, Milton's mental state continues to decline. He struggles with the effects of age, leading to moments of reflection on his extraordinary experience with Jules.
Final Reunion
In a poignant moment, Jules visits Milton again, rekindling memories of their shared adventure. This visit underscores the profound bond formed between an elderly man and an alien amidst extraordinary circumstances.
Characters
Milton Robinson (Ben Kingsley)
Milton is a 79-year-old widower grappling with loneliness and the onset of mental decline. His life takes a transformative turn upon meeting Jules, which rekindles a sense of purpose and adventure. Despite society's doubts about his mental state, Milton displays resilience and determination, showcasing the timeless spirit of curiosity and friendship.
Sandy (Harriet Sansom Harris)
Sandy is a pragmatic friend who helps Milton navigate the extraordinary situation with Jules. She is protective and quick-witted, often finding herself embroiled in the chaos surrounding the alien. Her toughness is highlighted by her brave confrontation with a burglar, showcasing her resourcefulness and loyalty to Milton.
Joyce (Jane Curtin)
Joyce serves as a neighbor who encounters Jules and offers a contrasting perspective to Sandy's. While she initially is skeptical, Joyce shows her caring side by ultimately sacrificing her cat to help Milton and Jules, highlighting her growth throughout the film. Her character navigates the complexities of community, support, and the personal sacrifices made for friendships.
Denise (Zoe Winters)
Denise is Milton's daughter, concerned for her father's well-being. Her character represents the struggle faced by family members trying to care for elderly relatives, often being torn between love and frustration. While she embodies a protective nature, her insistence on a mental evaluation stems from genuine concern, showcasing the responsibility that comes with familial bonds.
Setting
Time period
Present Day
The film is set in present day, reflecting contemporary issues such as elderly care and mental health. The narrative explores the challenges faced by the elderly population through Milton's experiences, providing a relatable lens on today's societal norms. The presence of advanced technology, such as spaceships, contrasts sharply with the everyday struggles of the characters.
Location
Milton's flower garden, city streets
Milton's flower garden serves as a serene and vibrant backdrop for the unexpected arrival of the spaceship. This quiet urban neighborhood is characterized by its close-knit community, where city council meetings play a pivotal role in local governance. The juxtaposition of a peaceful domestic setting and the chaos brought by an alien visitor creates a unique contrast.
Themes
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Aging
The film poignantly explores the theme of aging, focusing on Milton's struggles with loneliness and mental decline. As a 79-year-old widower, Milton navigates a world that often dismisses him, reflecting the societal challenges faced by the elderly. The connection with Jules, the alien, symbolizes hope and companionship amidst the challenges of old age.
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Friendship
The bond between Milton and the alien Jules signifies the power of friendship in unexpected forms. Their relationship transcends age and species, highlighting themes of understanding, acceptance, and the comfort found in companionship during turbulent times. Despite the strange circumstances, their friendship offers solace to both, illustrating the unity that can be found in extraordinary situations.
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Secrets
The theme of secrets permeates the story as Milton must keep Jules' existence hidden from others. This secrecy adds tension to the narrative, as characters navigate their relationships while grappling with the fear of judgment. The hidden nature of Jules' presence reflects broader societal tendencies to overlook the unusual or the misunderstood.
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