Backwards Faces introduces Sydney, a theoretical physicist who finds herself unexpectedly staying with a mysterious man named Ken after a disappointing one-night stand. He asserts that he’s from another universe. Theoretical physics takes on a new dimension when Ken reveals the answer to all of life's problems is located within a traversable wormhole in his bathroom. Sydney and Ken then confront versions of themselves from across multiple universes, which pushes their self-loathing to an extreme level. The film has the feel of a stage play adapted for the screen, something that doesn’t always work out well, but director Chris Aresco handles it exceptionally. The dialogue and comedic observations evoke Waiting for Godot with its ambitious search for meaninglessness, yet ultimately provides satisfaction for taking the journey alongside our detached protagonists. The bathroom functions as an escape route for Sydney and Ken, a way to leave behind lives they want to abandon in pursuit of a place where happiness is practically assured—though only after paying a terrible price. The promise of a fresh start with better choices remains just out of reach. It seems that altering your appearance or job won’t change anything because the underlying issues will remain. The film is sparse, using few locations and actors. While primarily driven by dialogue, it's still thoroughly entertaining. Lennon Sickels’ portrayal of Sydney is charming; her presence demands attention, she has a knack for making stage writing sound musical and dramatic, and her comedic timing is spot on. Andrew Morra does well to portray Ken’s different personalities, ranging from mischievous to silly. Their chemistry together creates an intimate viewing experience, leading the story toward a powerful and strangely satisfying conclusion. I hope to see Lennon and Andrew in future films because their involvement undoubtedly elevates any project they are part of. It's easy to understand why Backwards Faces was chosen for the 2022 Other Worlds Film Festival. It was genuinely enjoyable, and I plan to pre-order a physical copy for my collection.

Source on TMDB