The very last film I saw at Sundance this year was THE DISCOVERY, the latest from director Charlie McDowell, whose previous film, THE ONE I LOVE, was one of my absolute favorites from the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. The film concerns a scientist (Robert Redford) who provides scientific proof that there is an actual afterlife, and what results from this in the year that follows are a rash of suicides—people eager to move on to what they no longer have to assume is a better place. Jason Segel plays the estranged son of the scientist who visits his father and decides to dig deeper into what this afterlife really is. On the way, Segel meets a mysterious woman (Rooney Mara), who also wants to learn more about the discovery for her own mysterious reasons. The film also stars Jesse Plemmons and Riley Keough.
Much like THE ONE I LOVE, THE DISCOVERY is an unconventional love story, using science fiction as a surprisingly effective backdrop. The film is actually premiering on Netflix on March 31, but I have a lot of seats to an early screening for Ain’t It Cool News readers in the Chicago area. The screening takes place Thursday, March 23, 2017, at 7:00pm at a theater in Chicago (the exact location will only be given to the winners). And as an added bonus, director/co-writer Charlie McDowell and star Jason Segel will be on hand for a post-screening Q&A, moderated by Chicago-based filmmaker Joe Swanberg. Here’s how to win seats…
To win, send me an email at caponeaicn@gmail.com (please note the new email address) with the subject line “The Discovery” (exactly like that). In the body of the email, I need your full Name, if you are bringing a guest (write “Guest” or “No Guest”; each winner may bring ONE, confirmed guest—if I think you gave your extra ticket to someone trolling for free tickets at the theater, you won't get in), and the answer to the following question: “What is your favorite “smart” science fiction film, and why?” So I need a film title and a well-reasoned explanation for your decision on your favorite sci-fi film that actually appears to be well researched and rooted in reality. Keep your responses BRIEF—no more than 100 words (no matter how tempted you are to go over the limit). Best answers (as judged by me) win, and you'll hear from me very soon if you win, so keep checking your email over the weekend.
Although this is not an exclusive Ain't It Cool News event, winners’ seats will be reserved until 20 minutes before showtime (meaning 6:40pm). The venue is deliberately overbooked to guarantee a full house for our guests. If you can't arrive by 6:40pm, don't enter this contest. If you show up at the last minute, there is no guarantee that your seats will be good or together. If there's even the slightest chance you or your guests will have to back out of attending or arrive late if you do win, don't enter. If you have a job that might make you late or unable to attend, or an ill/pregnant relative, or a temperamental significant other, or a scratchy throat, do not enter. And the 24-hour-notice-to-cancel rule is done. If you win and don't show up, the Black List is your new best friend.
Good luck, everyone! And thanks to Netflix for giving us this very cool screening opportunity and for bringing in these great guests.
