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Writer/Director Erin Berry and David Pluscauskas describe “Majic” as “The X-Files” meets “Mad Men.” and while the comparison fits, it doesn’t nearly afford their 2019 sci-fi thriller with the credit it deserves for being a fresh flick that rejuvenates the sci-fi genre with a much-needed jolt of originality. With superb writing, excellent acting, and a taut, dialogue-driven plot, “Majic” is a sci-fi tour de force.
Pippa Bernwood (Paula Brancati) is an anti-conspiracy vlogger in 2008. Her YouTube channel, The Alarm Clock, delivers a wake-up call debunking conspiracy theories. However, Bernwood receives a message from Richard Anderson (Richard Fitzpatrick). Anderson claims he’s from Majic, or Majestic-12. The professional skeptic Bernwood seeks evidence-based proof, and thus initially doesn’t believe Anderson’s story of extraterrestrials and their involvement in the Cold War.
Nevertheless, Pippa arrives on Anderson’s doorstep, bottle of peaty scotch in hand. As her investigation continues, Bernwood begins to notice strange differences in reality. Confiding in both her conspiracy theory buff pal Fishburn (Anand Rajaram) as well as her fellow skeptic friend Truckspoor (Debra McGrath), Pippa strives to maintain a grasp on reality. The former conspiracy theory debunker becomes a believer, claiming that she’s being dragged into an alternate timeline where JFK isn’t assassinated and thus a chain reaction kicks off leading to a world where President Gary Hart exists.
“Majic” at times feels like a feature film-length “The X-Files” episode and, as a diehard X-Phile, I quite appreciated that quality. Plus, there’s a “JFK” vibe, with a pulse-pounding scheme disentangling with each progressive scene. It’s incredibly dialogue-driven with a hearty script that, despite its girth, wastes no time with exposition. The narrative is solid, and it’s clear that research into real-world conspiracy theories. Anderson discusses the Greys, or Zeta Reticuli, as well as the Reptilians. The Greys, Anderson insists, crashed at Roswell and as Truckspoor explains, “Everything to do with UFOs always involves Roswell.”
A major component of the movie’s success derives from the descent into delirium of its protagonist, Pippa. While transforming a skeptic into a believer is often a trope, “Majic” sells that largely through Paula Brancati’s masterful acting. Brancati crafts a likable, genuine character in Bernwood. And with the minimalism of “Majic,” Paula’s exquisite acting needs, and does, carry the film. Boasting only a handful of characters and locations, the entire production could almost succeed as a play. What’s more, there’s a reliance on props. In a Christopher Nolan-esque twist, clues peppered throughout the film provide hints at the final reveal.
Notably, “Majic” is a solid period piece. Set in 2008, Obama bumper stickers decorate Bernwood’s Honda Accord as well as her Macbook Pro. There’s nary an Android or iPhone in sight, and instead flip phones and Blackberry devices. Smart, enthralling, and cleverly crafted, “Majic” is a mind-bending conspiracy thrill ride.
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