Jules follows Milton (Kingsley) who lives a quiet life of routine in a small western Pennsylvania town, but finds his day upended when a UFO and its extra-terrestrial passenger crash land in his backyard. Before long, Milton develops a close relationship with the extra-terrestrial he calls “Jules.”

Milton invites the alien (Jade Quon) in to his home, and the two—each one isolated in their own way—begin to develop a rapport. Soon Milton’s neighbors Sandy (Harriet Sansom Harris) and Joyce (Jane Curtin) discover the visitor whom they’ve nicknamed “Jules,” and together the trio conspire to keep Jules’ presence a secret from the town and from the government that is furiously searching for the mysterious craft. They’ve seen the movies and they know exactly what happens to beings from outer space. The unlikely visitor’s arrival in their midst gives purpose and a later-in-life connection to these new friends in this funny, wildly inventive, and unusual sci-fi tale.

Overall it’s a funny, wildly inventive ride as the three neighbors find meaning and connection later in life – thanks to this unlikely stranger.

In theatres across Canada. Available from Bleecker Street.

Directed by Marc Turtletaub (Puzzle)
Written by Gavin Steckler (“Review”)
Starring: Ben Kingsley (Gandhi, Schindler’s List), Harriet Sansom Harris (Licorice Pizza),  Zoe Winters (“Succession”), Jade Quon (Transformers: The Last Knight) and Jane Curtin (“3rd Rock From The Sun”)

Director’s Statement – Marc Turtletaub

In my time as a producer, and later director, I have always asked myself two questions before embarking on a new project: First, is this story about something meaningful; that is, does it illuminate or excavate a subject that invites the viewer to reflect on its meaning after leaving the theater? And second, is the screenplay, either unique in the subject matter, the world depiction, or the approach from anything I have encountered before?Jules met both criteria for me. Thematically it explores the value of living one’s last years fully,even as one experiences diminished capacities. How we go about finding meaning during this stage of life is something rarely explored in movies. And Jules does it in a one of a kind way—blending elements of classic science fiction with a dramatic theme, coupled with extravagant inventiveness and humor in a single bundle.Putting all these elements into a single movie with a consistent tone would be a challenge I knew from the first reading. As I asked myself,“Can I do this?” I already knew I had to try.

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.