Biosphere

Directed by Mel Eslyn, Biosphere follows Mark Duplass’ Billy and Sterling K. Brown’s Ray as they attempt to survive and pass the time within the confines of the cramped title dwelling. It’s a pared-down premise that’s employed to watchable yet thoroughly erratic effect by Eslyn, as the filmmaker, working from a script cowritten with Duplass, delivers a claustrophobic drama that benefits substantially from the superb efforts of its two stars – with Duplass and Brown’s engaging work heightened by the very real and palpable chemistry between the seemingly mismatched pair. There’s little doubt, as well, that the inclusion of a few admittedly out-of-left-field twists, including one absolute whopper, perpetuates the intriguing, engaging atmosphere, although it’s equally clear that the dialogue-driven atmosphere can sustain one’s complete interest and attention only so far (ie the movie does, at 106 minutes, feel in desperate need of streamlining). By the time the fairly unsatisfying (and oddly abrupt) conclusion rolls around, Biosphere has certainly confirmed its place as a decent-enough two-hander that probably would’ve fared better as a short, ultimately.

**1/2 out of ****