Thomas and Robson play Leo and Naomi, a couple of academics whose quiet holiday is disrupted by the mysterious American Ricky, played by Kelley Mack. Ricky serves as a source of narrative intrigue, and Mack portrays her with a natural ease that helps carry some of the film’s heavier moments. She struggles with social anxiety and spends a lot of time alone, adding a further element of importance to her weekend with Leo and Naomi.

The story does, at times, feel a little rushed—especially given the huge concepts introduced through Ricky’s character. If you’re not already familiar with the academic ideas being referenced, the film’s themes can feel both underdeveloped and overexplained. There’s also a strange use of toilet humour and nudity, which often feels out of place and ultimately undermines the deeper ideas at play. These moments seem like an attempt to lighten the tone, but they can jar with the film’s more serious intentions.

What keeps you invested, though, is the strength of the three lead performances. There’s a clear and compelling connection between Leo and Naomi, and despite the increasingly unusual circumstances, you can’t help but wonder how they managed their patience with Ricky. While not always believable, the final scenes do reward the viewer with a sense of unpredictability and ambition that mirrors the film’s conceptual aims.

The script’s twists and dramatic beats often feel anticlimactic or unrealistic, but the characters are interesting and dynamic enough to keep you watching. Portland has spoken about writing the role of Leo with Inbetweeners star Thomas in mind, and it’s clear Thomas saw the potential. “When I initially began reading the script, I didn’t recognise what sort of film this was going to be,” he says. “For the first few pages I thought it might be a romantic comedy based around a love triangle. But then the plot went completely in the other direction. The whole thing seemed so unusual and refreshing.” Thomas plays the role confidently and brings a familiarity to the role through his years playing various comedic roles. Thomas works closely with his co-stars as a dysfunctional trio who uncover a life-changing discovery. Robson’s character, Naomi, is by far the most realistic and down-to-earth (excuse the pun!), and likeable character. Her impatience and desperation for some peace and quiet make her relatable and accessible, in a narrative that doesn’t always feel this way.

Unusual and refreshing, for sure—Universal is far from perfect, but it’s an ambitious and original ride worth taking.

Universal premiered at Dances with Films 2025 and will be released in the UK at a later date