The Future12A

The Future will likely be the only film you’ll see this year with a narration from an injured stray cat, a clear indication that we are entering the delightfully idiosyncratic world view of Miranda July. July herself plays Sophie, a children’s dance teacher with modest aspirations toward self-expression, living with Jason, her boyfriend of five years. They’re a flaky, geeky and low-achieving pair, and theirs is a modern romance: they share a sofa but talk via their laptops, and have so far avoided any responsibilities or commitments. As they approach their forties, nagging anxiety and insecurity about the future prompts some decidedly odd behaviour. With a plot that consistently confounds expectations, this bittersweet tale shows July’s ability to create a distinctive, off-kilter milieu, and to deliver consistently surprising and amusing dialogue. London Film Festival

The screening on Wednesday 9 November (18.15) will be introduced by Dr Christopher Gow.