The Bubble

This is an article “The Bubble” by Marc Primo

Release date: 10 April 2022 (United States)

Director: Judd Apatow

Language: English

Production companies: Apatow Production

Producer: Judd Apatow

In the past two years, studios have struggled to complete work on their scheduled films, no thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Outbursts from the likes of Tom Cruise for some staff breaking safety protocols while on set, big-budget films like Jurassic World Dominion shutting down due to lockdowns, and several movies intended for cinema release diverted to streaming services were just some of the newsworthy disruptions the pandemic brought about.

Despite the Draconian measures that were in place to ensure health and safety on film sets, some movies did wrap, while others made films about the whole Hollywood ordeal. One such film is Judd Apatow's latest comedy, The Bubble.

Shot entirely at Shepperton Studios in Surrey, England, The Bubble pokes fun at the many challenges that COVID-19 brought to the set. This loosely episodic pandemic flick often hits you right at the funny bone. Many scenes work – from actors getting quarantined in luxurious hotel rooms for two weeks to over-the-top health and security officers ensuring everything is according to plan. The plot’s downside is that it later drags you down as quickly as it managed to tickle you.

At two hours long, it's pretty safe to assume that Apatow had too much time on his hands to think of what could be funny about the pandemic in this Netflix release but loses most of his punchline power while telling the story.

Quarantined

The film's plot is easy enough to catch during the first few minutes. Filming its sixth installment, a franchise film called Cliff Beasts finds its production caught at the height of the pandemic forcing the cast and crew to shoot inside a safe bubble mansion in Surrey, England.

Cliff Beasts itself is a satirical jab at recent blockbusters that rely on special effects rather than storyline depth. Soon, viewers can quickly assume that the Bubble is to be taken light-heartedly instead with nothing more than a large bucket of popcorn and big time-sized soda to wash it all down with. You may leave the intellectual perspective at the door.

The fact that Cliff Beasts director and Sundance alumni Darren Elgan (Fred Armisen) also pays homage to indie filmmakers who made it big in Hollywood using their mobile phones hints at how the entire film will cover satirical subjects.

As the cast arrives at the mansion, viewers will get to know the many players who exhibit borderline mental behaviors to make a colorful motley of nutcases trapped inside one place.

There's Carol (Karen Gillan), an actress who returns to the franchise but earned the ire of some of her cast members for abandoning them in the last installment; Lauren (Leslie Mann) and Dustin (David Duchovny) who play a married couple on the brink of divorce; Sean (Keegan Michael Key) a not so bright star who still has to rely on his trademarked 'Harmony Ignite' lifestyle brand; Howie (Guz Khan) a weed enthusiast trying to smuggle marijuana via drone on the set; and Krystal Kris (Iris Apatow) because who can live without a TikTok star in a satirical comedy.

Together with co-writer and South Park veteran Pam Brady, Apatow presents several mischievous episodes they can think of when several young and gorgeous individuals are stuck inside a posh hotel during a raging pandemic. There are a lot of silliness and improvised scenes that work for some audiences, but the problem is that when they come together, some viewers may consider the entire film more of a disaster than a gem.

Having fun during the pandemic

Viewers will not get any shortage of TikTok parodies, Apatow-trademarked stoner jokes, overacted romances, and hilarious desperation from the otherwise all-star cast. Add in appearances from Pedro Pascal, Kate McKinnon, and comedy duo Ben Ashenden and Alexander Owen, and viewers have an ample amount of surprises to keep them hanging on for the long two-hour ride.

Many can appreciate the moments wherein all cast members are filming scenes and providing genuine laughs, and some work well enough to earn that Waiting for Guffman comparison. Yet, in its entirety, the film seemed hurried and closer to what its story intended Cliff Beasts to be– unbelievably chaotic.

The ever-funny Fred Armisen shines in this one, making audiences easily relate to his character and how most of us will accept a cash grab job even while knowing the project will be a disaster, thus sacrificing our artistic values. The problem is that Armisen's scenes are not quite enough.

So many subplots keep emerging throughout the film. Romantic escapades end in pointless narratives, a security team plotting to murder the actors, and more cluttered dialogue that doesn't work for everyone.

Making the most out of COVID-19

Perhaps, one way to enjoy The Bubble is to simply take it for what it is – a COVID-19 product that at least tries to make the most of what's available during all the quarantines and lockdowns. It's not too difficult to let the many random jokes and scenes pass and easier to trust the cast's individual takes on being funny. There is chemistry in the film's big ensemble, but too many eccentricities are enough to make some viewers want to leave home despite being in quarantine.

Nonetheless, there's still a bit of that Apatow magic that mirrors how we see the world and its different characters via a collective perspective. In one scene, crew members try their best to keep the set virus-free which is easily relatable to audiences. In another, Apatow announces the line "we must get back to work because humanity needs us," which only those in the film business know what it really means.

The film points out that another installment of the fading franchise, Cliff Beast, is the last thing humanity needs during the pandemic. In reality, The Bubble is such a film that can take its place down the list of essentials. And yes, folks, the film was released on April Fool's Day. Whether you take it as a prank or a failed attempt to be funnier than expected, it at least tries to spark some joy in an otherwise dark chapter in human history.