Movie Review: “Me, Myself & The Void” – A Darkly Hilarious Dive into Existential Crisis.

Introspection is important for us humans as it leads to self-accountability and, ultimately, growth. Tim Hautekiet taps into this very human experience in a way that is both clever and refreshingly dark in this feature film “Me, Myself & The Void“.

This feature film debut for the filmmaker combines sharp humour with an existential journey, presenting an engaging narrative that takes place in a man’s mind as he’s stuck in a mysterious void outside the bounds of time and space.

The story revolves around Jack (played by Jack De Sena), a struggling stand-up comedian whose life seems to be unravelling. After breaking up with his girlfriend, Mia (played by Kelly Marie Tran), Jack moves into a new apartment with a strange roommate. Things take a bizarre turn when he wakes up in a strange void world, hovering between life and death. He finds himself wounded and unconscious on his bathroom floor, and he must figure out how he got there before time runs out.

From the opening scene, the film uses an interesting way to get your attention. It uses a couple of home-video-style footage that gives off the initial impression that this film is a non-fiction documentary. But this thought quickly shifts when you realize that this is a well-scripted, fictional narrative.

The narrative opens with Jack bombing on stage, trying to perform a comedy set. Flashbacks are interspersed into the performance, giving us glimpses of his life with Mia, though it soon becomes clear that Jack is not on stage at all. Instead, he’s lying motionless on his bathroom floor, caught in a strange, out-of-body experience. His stand-up routine is part of the void in which he’s trapped. Jack’s best friend, Chris (played by Chris W. Smith), also appears in this void, serving as a projection of Jack’s subconscious, as they both try to piece together why Jack is in this state

As the film progresses, we get to witness past events unfold right in front of Jack and Chris. This not only pushes the story forward but also allows us to dive deeper into Jack’s life and his relationships, particularly with Chris and Mia. As they sift through different theories about what may have caused Jack’s current predicament, they uncover unresolved issues from Jack’s past, forcing him to confront his own mistakes and emotional baggage.

Jack De Sena and Chris W. Smith are flawless in their roles, delivering dark humour and wit with perfect timing. The banter between them is sharp and often hilarious. The dialogue is smooth, and the puns flow naturally, never feeling forced. Jack De Sena particularly shines with this depiction of a man having an existential crisis whilst stuck at the crossroads of life and death. His fear and confusion are well felt, and so are his conviction and despair.

The other actors are equally impressive in their roles in this film. Clearly shows their understanding of the characters and also the directorial efforts to get the best out of them in every scene.

Even though the film is a comedy it still finds a way to be a little bit intense. The mystery deepens as we learn more about Jack’s relationship with Mia, and the film does a fine job of keeping the audience guessing. Could Mia be responsible for Jack’s condition? Or is it his strange roommate, who could possibly be a drug dealer? Jack is forced to confront the dynamics of his relationships and, more importantly, himself as he works the problem before time runs out for him.

Another thing that stands out in ‘Me, Myself & The Void‘ is the film’s ability to blend its themes of dark humour and introspection with a simple yet effective narrative. Co-writers Tim Hautekiet and Nik Oldershaw don’t complicate the story with too much philosophical jargon or explanations about the void. Instead, they focus on Jack’s predicament as he works through his issues and fights to stay alive. And as you draw closer to the end of the film you start to identify the film’s themes of introspection and the need for accountability.

Technically, the film impresses as well. The editing is well thought through and well-executed, allowing the narrative to flow seamlessly between the present, where Jack is trapped in the void and the random memories that he and Chris explore. The transitions are so smooth that you never feel confused, even when the film jumps between different time frames. There’s even a well-done scene where Jack interacts with his own lifeless body, a tricky visual that the filmmakers pull off convincingly.

As a debut feature film, ‘Me, Myself & The Void‘ is a bold and commendable effort. Tim Hautekiet has managed to create something that feels fresh and unique, balancing comedy, mystery, and self-introspection in a way that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. By the time the credits roll, it becomes clear that this is not just another dark comedy about a man in crisis, it is a story about confronting oneself and taking responsibility for one’s choices. I will score this film. 7/10.

If you enjoy some dark humour, this is certainly a film for you and should check it out as it is available for streaming now.