Mika Rottenberg and Mahyad Tousi's film Remote explores a surreal future of lockdown life

Mika Rottenberg and Mahyad Tousi have co-directed the feature film Remote, which depicts a futuristic lockdown scenario. The narrative centers on Unoaku, a woman living in a retro-futuristic high-rise apartment, who adheres to a strict daily regimen involving yoga, cooking, hydroponic gardening, and remote work. Her routine includes nightly pot-banging sessions with neighbors and viewing a South Korean dog-grooming show online, featuring Eunji and her Westie Soju. Through this show, Unoaku connects virtually with four other women globally who share an observation: a novelty clock on the set appears to run backwards. As the mystery deepens, Unoaku becomes obsessed, skipping activities to engage in virtual viewing parties with her new community. The film employs long static shots and references Chantal Akerman's 1975 film Jeanne Dielman in its slow, repetitive pacing. It culminates in absurdist surrealism with elements like overgrown fingernails and space portals, though the climax interrupts the narrative grotesquely, blending influences from The Matrix and SpongeBob. Critics note that while Rottenberg's signature absurdity is present, the linear storyline may lack the depth of her earlier video works, focusing on themes of human connection in a digital age. Remote is now in general release.