Critics Loved Ben Kingsley's 2023 Sci-Fi Comedy Nobody Saw, But Now It's Streaming For Free

It's a shame that many low-budget sci-fi indie films fall through the cracks every year in favor of the big and flashy titles that take all the attention of the moviegoing public. Epic sci-fis films like Denis Villeneuve's "Dune" trilogy will always crush something as low-key, quiet, and affectionate as Marc Turtletaub's 2023 sci-fi dramedy, "Jules." I'm not saying it should be the other way around, just that both efforts would deserve a more even chance regardless of their scale.

Since that will likely never happen, I'm here today to support "Jules" — now streaming for free on Pluto and Tubi, along with DC's first Green Lantern series – an endearing, gentle, and incredibly uplifting little dramedy that was one of my favorite watches three years ago. Turtletaub's feature follows pensioner and widower Milton Robinson (Ben Kingsley), whose main activity in his sunset days is attending city council meetings in his Western Pennsylvania small town to complain about nuisances that never get fixed.

But when a UFO crash-lands in his backyard one night, Milton finds a new companion in the bluish, wordless, and kind alien that crawls out of it. He treats the stranger from space as if she were a house guest, and the two shortly become sort of friends. Milton even tells about his visitor to the city council and his worried daughter (Zoe Winters), but everybody thinks he's simply going senile at his old age. However, when his friend Sandy (Harriet Sansom Harris) drops by unexpectedly one day, she'll confirm to us that Milton isn't crazy. And the alien they name Jules (Jade Quon) will need their help to get home before the authorities learn about her presence.

When "Jules" dropped in the second half of 2023, critics adored it to no end — the film currently holds an 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes – but its box office performance wasn't great because barely anybody went to see it. It only grossed $2.3 million worldwide and left theaters without a splash. I guess the overwhelmingly positive critical reception wasn't enough to turn it into at least a profitable modest hit, but the reviews weren't wrong.

"Jules" is an absolute charmer without trying too hard or attempting to appeal to everyone. Yes, its main characters are almost exclusively elderly people, but they're also played by seasoned and magnificent actors (Kingsley is superb in a controlled and carefully restrained performance) who relish the opportunity of still getting cast in fantastic films that aptly use them, especially since they tend to be fewer and fewer for accomplished actors as they reach a certain age (essentially why Michael Caine retired from acting).

But "Jules" is relatable, funny, and touching to anyone with a heart that even younger audiences can connect with it easily. It laments some aspects of dying and the inevitable loneliness that comes with aging, but it also highlights the power of community and companionship, which can provide a purpose even in old age to keep on going and find joy in life again. It's also replete with chuckle-worthy dialogues, hilarious situations, and a bittersweet, light-hearted vibe that makes it go down rather easy, thanks to Gavin Steckler's sharp and affectionate screenplay. And since it's streaming for free on several platforms right now, you can't find a better time to catch it and let it amaze you.