I want to live on Mars (2023) by Mariya Somova

Set in the desolate landscape of a Pennsylvania ghost town scarred by disaster, Mariya Somova’s “I want to live on Mars” is a poignant coming-of-age drama. The film follows two teenage girls from vastly different backgrounds who forge an unlikely friendship amidst the decay and embark on a symbolic journey to escape their grim reality in search of a better life, a “Life on Mars.” Inspired by the real-life town of Centralia, Pennsylvania, where a coal mine fire has burned for decades, the movie delves into themes of loneliness, poverty, and the enduring power of human connection and dreams in the face of despair.

“I want to live on Mars” introduces us to Pickles, a young woman scraping by in a nearly abandoned exurban Pennsylvania town, her days filled with scavenging and a solitary existence. Her routine is disrupted by the arrival of Breezy, a more urban teenager forced to relocate to the desolate town due to challenging family circumstances. Initially wary of each other, the two girls, united by their shared sense of being stuck and forgotten, develop a deep and unexpected friendship.

The film vividly portrays the bleakness of their environment, showcasing abandoned homes, decaying infrastructure, and a palpable sense of stagnation. Against this backdrop, Pickles and Breezy find solace and understanding in their bond. They share their frustrations, their dreams, and their desire for a life beyond the confines of their decaying town. The titular “Mars” becomes their shared symbol of escape, a metaphorical destination representing hope, opportunity, and a fresh start, far removed from their current hardships.

Their journey towards this imagined “Mars” is not a literal space voyage but a physical and emotional departure from their circumstances. The narrative follows their attempts to break free, highlighting their resilience, their vulnerability, and the challenges they face from their environment and the limited options available to them. Along the way, they encounter other residents of the town, forming a small, makeshift support system that further emphasizes the film’s theme of found family and the necessity of human connection for survival and well-being. The film culminates in their decisive act of leaving the ghost town, a step into the unknown driven by their shared dream of a better future, whatever “Mars” may ultimately represent for them.

In a decaying Pennsylvania ghost town, the solitary life of teenage resident Pickles is altered by the arrival of Breezy, a girl displaced from an urban environment. Despite their differing backgrounds, they form a close friendship, bonding over their shared dissatisfaction with their stagnant lives. Inspired by a longing for escape and a better future, symbolized by the idea of living on Mars, they decide to leave their desolate town together. Their journey becomes a quest for a new beginning, testing their friendship and challenging them to confront the realities of their circumstances and the uncertainty of the path ahead.

Mariya Somova’s vision for “I want to live on Mars” is deeply personal, drawing inspiration from her own experiences growing up in an underpopulated Ukrainian suburb and the eerie reality of Centralia, Pennsylvania. Her aim is to explore the profound sense of loneliness and emptiness that can permeate individuals and their environment, particularly for young people in marginalized or forgotten places. Somova seeks to portray the raw reality of poverty and lack of opportunity while also highlighting the innate human desire to break free from such constraints. She uses the concept of “Mars” as a powerful metaphor for any distant, seemingly unattainable dream that offers hope and a reason to strive for something more. The film is an homage to the resilience of teenage girls and their capacity for imagination and connection even in the most challenging circumstances.

• Escapism and Hope: The dream of living on Mars represents a powerful desire to escape a harsh reality and the hope for a better future, illustrating how imagination and shared aspirations can provide solace and motivation.

• Loneliness and Isolation: The film deeply explores the feeling of being isolated and forgotten in a desolate environment, highlighting the emotional toll of living in a place with limited opportunities and connection.

• Found Family and Connection: The unlikely friendship between Pickles and Breezy, and their interactions with other town residents, underscore the vital importance of human connection and the formation of chosen families in overcoming hardship.

• Poverty and Lack of Opportunity: The film provides a stark portrayal of the realities of poverty in America, depicting the daily struggles and limited options faced by those living in economically depressed and abandoned areas.

• Resilience and Determination: Despite their challenging circumstances, the protagonists demonstrate remarkable resilience and a strong determination to change their lives, showcasing the strength of the human spirit.

• Coming-of-Age: The narrative captures the complexities of adolescence, including the search for identity, the formation of meaningful relationships, and the difficult transition towards independence in a challenging world.

• Authentic Portrayal of Setting and Character: The film’s use of a real-world inspired ghost town and its focus on the authentic struggles and emotions of its teenage protagonists contribute to its raw and relatable feel.

• Powerful Central Performances: The performances of the lead actresses, Claire Haller and Bethany Stolar, are highlighted in reviews as being genuinely investing and effectively conveying the characters’ vulnerability and resilience.

• Evocative Atmosphere: The film successfully creates a palpable sense of place, using the desolate environment to mirror the internal states of the characters and enhance the thematic weight of the story.

• Personal and Passionate Direction: Mariya Somova’s personal connection to the themes and setting infuses the film with a sense of passion and authenticity that resonates with viewers.

• Strong Metaphorical Core: The central metaphor of “living on Mars” provides a compelling and accessible way to explore complex themes of hope, escapism, and the search for a better life.

“I want to live on Mars” is a drama by Mariya Somova about two teenage girls in a decaying ghost town who form a bond and dream of escaping their circumstances for a better life, symbolized by the idea of living on Mars.

The film has been recognized within the independent film festival circuit. It was an Official Selection at the 2024 Seattle International Film Festival, San Francisco IndieFest (2024), Northeast Pennsylvania Film Festival (2024), and the 2023 Centre Film Festival. It also screened at the 2024 Queens World Film Festival and the 2024 New Jersey International Film Festival. “I want to live on Mars” was the recipient of the Programmer’s Prize for Exceptional Filmmaking at the 2023 Sherman Oaks Film Festival.

Critical reception for “I want to live on Mars,” primarily from independent film outlets and festival coverage, has been generally positive, particularly highlighting its thematic depth and strong performances.

• Film Threat: The review from Film Threat notes the film’s “poetic turnarounds of events” and “absurdist mischief,” while also pointing out that its abstract nature can sometimes lead to confusion. However, it praises the “acting prowess” of the leads and finds the ending emotionally moving.

• Beyond Chron: Beyond Chron’s review provides a detailed analysis of the setting and characters, appreciating how the film uses the abandoned town to reflect the characters’ lives. It highlights the contrasting personalities of Pickles and Breezy and finds their journey towards “Mars” to be a meaningful exploration of dreams and escape.

• Film Fatales (Quotes): The film’s listing on Film Fatales includes several positive quotes from various sources, describing the film as having “more passion” (Last Movie Outpost), an “Intriguing Trailer” (First Showing Net), being “beautiful, bleak, and poignant” (Film Net), a “Micro budget gem that evokes the work of Ken Loach and Andrei Tarkovsky” (Letterboxd), and an “Adorable and Off-kilter Feature” (New Jersey Stage).

Overall, critics who have reviewed the film tend to appreciate its artistic ambition, its focus on character and theme, and the strong performances of the lead actresses, despite some finding its narrative style occasionally challenging. Comprehensive aggregate scores from major sites like Metacritic or Rotten Tomatoes are not widely available for this independent release.

Reviews for “I want to live on Mars” largely stem from its screenings at film festivals and coverage in independent film media.

• Film Threat: The review acknowledges some narrative quirks but ultimately commends the film’s emotional impact, particularly in its later parts, and the strong performances of the two leads.

• Beyond Chron: This review offers a thoughtful interpretation of the film’s symbolism and character dynamics, finding the portrayal of the desolate setting and the girls’ yearning for escape to be compelling.

• Other Mentions: Various sources, as summarized by Film Fatales, have offered brief but positive impressions, praising the film’s passion, its poignant themes, and its quality as a micro-budget production.

In summary, the available reviews suggest that the film is a thoughtful and emotionally resonant drama, particularly appealing to those who appreciate character-driven independent cinema that explores social themes.

Specific box office figures for “I want to live on Mars” are not readily available. As an independent film with a primary release through film festivals and subsequent availability on streaming platforms, it did not have a wide theatrical release that would typically generate significant box office reporting.

“I want to live on Mars” is an independent film produced on a micro-budget. The production effectively utilizes its real-world inspired setting to create a strong sense of atmosphere and place, which is crucial to the film’s themes.

• AuraPyre Productions (United States)

• Cordell Productions (United States)

• Revolving Red Productions (United States)

• A Man with Friends Productions (United States)

Information on specific sales companies for “I want to live on Mars” is not widely available in the provided search results. It’s common for independent films of this scale to have sales handled directly by the production companies or through limited deals facilitated by festival exposure.

The film has been distributed through a combination of festival screenings and digital platforms.

• Amazon Prime (International) – Provides wider streaming access.

• Indie Channel (Platform, Country not specified) – Offers a platform for independent films.

• EoFlix (Platform, Country not specified) – Another streaming platform where the film is available.

• Film Festival Circuit (International) – Screenings at various festivals serve as a key distribution method for independent films.

Release Date on Streaming:

The film is available on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime, Indie Channel, and EoFlix. While a specific universal streaming release date is not explicitly stated, its availability was noted in coverage from late 2023 and into 2024, following its festival run.

The primary theatrical release for “I want to live on Mars” has been through its screenings at various film festivals in 2023 and 2024. It does not appear to have had a broad commercial theatrical distribution.

Why to Recommend This Movie:

• For Lovers of Indie Cinema: If you appreciate independent films that prioritize character development, thematic depth, and authentic storytelling over special effects and large budgets, this film is a strong recommendation.

• Thought-Provoking Themes: The movie tackles relevant social issues such as poverty, isolation, and the search for hope in challenging circumstances, offering viewers a chance for reflection.

• Strong Female Leads: The film features compelling performances from its young lead actresses, presenting a relatable and nuanced portrayal of teenage girls navigating difficult lives.

• Unique Setting and Atmosphere: The use of a ghost town inspired by Centralia, PA, provides a distinctive and atmospheric backdrop that enhances the film’s emotional impact.

• Support Independent Filmmaking: Watching this film supports the work of independent filmmakers like Mariya Somova who are telling personal and meaningful stories outside the mainstream studio system.

• Discover a Hidden Gem: This is an opportunity to discover a lesser-known but critically appreciated independent film that might not have received widespread attention.

• Experience a Personal Story: Mariya Somova’s personal connection to the material lends an authentic and heartfelt quality to the film.

• Engage with Social Realism: The film offers a realistic and unflinching look at the lives of marginalized individuals in forgotten communities.

• Witness Emerging Talent: The movie showcases the talent of its director and lead actresses.

• Be Moved by a Story of Hope: Despite its bleak setting, the film ultimately offers a message of hope and the power of human connection and dreams.

What Movie Trend film is following:

Trend Name: Social Realism in Independent Cinema

Summary: “I want to live on Mars” aligns with the trend of independent filmmaking that focuses on social realism. This trend involves depicting the lives of ordinary people, often from marginalized communities or challenging socioeconomic backgrounds, with a focus on authenticity and the impact of social and economic conditions on individual lives. These films often employ naturalistic acting, on-location shooting, and narratives that prioritize character study and thematic exploration over conventional plot structures or genre tropes. “I want to live on Mars” fits this trend through its portrayal of poverty and lack of opportunity in a specific American setting and its focus on the emotional and relational lives of its working-class protagonists.

What Big Social Trend is following:

Trend Name: Heightened Awareness of Economic Inequality and Marginalized Communities

Summary: The film taps into the broader social trend of increased awareness and discussion surrounding economic inequality and the challenges faced by marginalized communities in developed nations. In recent years, there has been a growing focus on the experiences of individuals and communities left behind by economic shifts and globalization, particularly in rural or formerly industrial areas. “I want to to live on Mars,” by setting its story in a decaying ghost town and depicting the struggles of its residents, reflects this trend of bringing the stories of these often-overlooked populations to the forefront and highlighting the social and emotional consequences of economic decline.

“I want to live on Mars” is a compelling and emotionally resonant independent drama. While its unconventional narrative style may not appeal to all viewers, its authentic portrayal of challenging themes, strong performances, and powerful metaphorical core make it a worthwhile watch for those who appreciate thoughtful, character-driven cinema. It is a testament to the power of human connection and the enduring nature of hope in the face of seemingly insurmountable circumstances.

Recommendations for Filmmakers:

• Embrace Personal Stories: Mariya Somova’s success in telling a story rooted in her own experiences demonstrates the power of drawing from personal background and perspective to create authentic narratives.

• Utilize Setting as a Character: The film effectively uses the ghost town setting to enhance the mood and themes. Filmmakers should consider how their chosen locations can become integral to the storytelling.

• Focus on Character Depth: The strength of the film lies in its well-developed and relatable protagonists. Prioritizing nuanced character portrayal can create a deeper connection with the audience.

• Leverage Festivals for Exposure: The film’s success on the festival circuit highlights the importance of festivals as a platform for independent films to gain recognition, reviews, and distribution opportunities.

• Explore Metaphor and Symbolism: The effective use of “Mars” as a symbol of escape provides a strong thematic anchor. Filmmakers can explore using metaphorical elements to add layers of meaning to their stories.

Recommendations for Movie Industry:

• Support Diverse Voices and Stories: The industry should continue to support independent filmmakers like Mariya Somova who are telling stories from underrepresented perspectives and about marginalized communities.

• Create Pathways for Indie Distribution: While streaming platforms offer valuable access, the industry should explore more robust and visible distribution pathways for independent films beyond the festival circuit to reach a wider audience.

• Promote Thematic and Character-Driven Films: The positive reception for films like this suggests an audience appetite for movies that prioritize thematic depth and character study over pure spectacle.

• Recognize the Value of Micro-Budget Productions: The quality achieved in “I want to live on Mars” on a presumably micro-budget underscores the potential for impactful storytelling even with limited financial resources.

• Increase Coverage of Independent Cinema: Film critics and media outlets should increase their coverage of independent films to help them find their audience and contribute to a more diverse cinematic landscape.

“I want to live on Mars” is a significant example of independent filmmaking that successfully blends social realism with a hopeful, metaphorical narrative. Mariya Somova’s personal vision and the compelling performances of her lead actresses create a moving portrait of resilience and the search for a better life amidst challenging circumstances. The film serves as a reminder of the power of human connection and the importance of dreams, no matter how distant they may seem. Its recognition on the film festival circuit highlights the vital role these platforms play in bringing independent voices and important stories to the forefront. The film’s availability on streaming platforms provides valuable access for audiences interested in exploring cinema that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.