115 is a delightfully quirky sci-fi romance directed by Dave Huynh Macon, taking audiences on a heartwarming journey through time loops, alien mischief, and small-town charm. Emily, a stranded alien in search of the elusive fuel '115,' finds herself reliving the same day, navigating comedic chaos, tender moments, and an unexpected love story with the kind-hearted JT(Barret Coate)—all set against the picturesque backdrop of Stony Plain.
This film adopts the concept of running out of gas in the middle of a journey and wandering around with jerry cans, hoping to find a filling station or encounter a sympathetic stranger willing to give a lift to the nearest gas station—in an intergalactic setting. The story incorporates the use of element 115 as the crucial fuel.
In 1989, scientist Bob Lazar claimed that element 115 was used to generate anti-gravity propulsion in recovered alien crafts. At the time, this element did not exist, and many dismissed his story. However, in the 2000s, Russian scientists discovered and named the element "Moscovium," validating part of Lazar's controversial claims.
Cosmic Beauty, Earthly Desire: Emilie Steps Out, Captivating JT’s World.
By rooting the story in this association of real-world scientific facts and speculative technology, the film explores the boundaries of human imagination and the pursuit of progress. This fusion of grounded science and visionary storytelling provides a compelling backdrop, transforming a whimsical tale of intergalactic hitchhiking into a thought-provoking narrative about humanity’s quest for knowledge and survival in the vast unknown.
However, as we honestly question whether Emilie(Kimi Alexander), a cosmic being, adapting to Earth’s social norms and human behaviors is sufficient to carry a feature film with such ambitious concepts, the portrayal of her as a robotic, machine-learning figure might feel inadequate. Thankfully, the film cleverly avoids this potential pitfall by opting for a socio-comedic approach, sidestepping heavy scrutiny with humor and wit. This deliberate choice by the director demonstrates a clever strategy, blending simple themes with accessible storytelling to engage audiences without overwhelming them.
In Edmonton, Alberta, driving an hour in any direction will bring you to small towns and farms that feel frozen in time. Many of these places have hardly changed, offering perfect '80s-inspired locations where the past seems to live on.
Now, imagine this: an alien, desperate to find the elusive moscovium, crash-lands in the rural countryside. Among abandoned farmhouses and endless fields, she searches for the rare element, unnoticed by locals going about their daily lives. As she tries to blend in, haunted by strange visions of the past, future, and alternate realities, she must navigate this surreal landscape. Somewhere in the silence of the plains, love and adventure await—if she can find it before the time loop resets.
This bizarre imagination of an alien on a cosmic mission, lost in the mundane yet mystical landscape of Edmonton’s countryside, unfolds in 115—a whimsical exploration of love, time, and the unknown. It’s a movie you should consider watching for its unique blend of sci-fi, humor, and heart, offering a fresh take on both intergalactic adventure and the complexities of human connection.
Under the Stars, Across the Universe: Emilie Holds JT Close, Love Beyond Worlds
About the Director
Dave Huynh Macon was born in Vietnam and raised in Canada. As the founder of 198t's Films, Dave draws inspiration from 1980s cinema and made his directorial debut with 115, a film that champions diversity and nurtures local talent. An emerging filmmaker in Canadian cinema, he skillfully balances his growing career with the joys of raising a young family, embodying resilience and a passion for storytelling.
Dave's storytelling style stands apart from themes often associated with the Vietnam War era, despite spending part of his childhood in Saigon. While his near-war experiences sparked a personal interest in military and war films, his creative focus leans toward crafting uplifting and cerebral narratives.
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