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Universal

Play trailer 2:00 Poster for Universal 2025 1h 30m Comedy Drama Sci-Fi Play Trailer Watchlist
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Leo and Naomi are a US-based British couple of academics, enjoying a romantic weekend in a remote log cabin. They are interrupted by the arrival of a woman who's been following Leo's research in the field of Junk DNA (parts of the human genome that appear to have no purpose). She claims to have discovered a hidden code, and needs help. She is given five minutes to explain what she has found. Five minutes turns to half an hour, which then becomes the rest of the day, leading to a lively dinner and a raucous night in the cabin. The next day, the gravity of the discovery begins to dawn on the three new friends, leading to a dramatic showdown over what to do with this explosive information.

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Universal

Critics Reviews

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Surya Komal Just for Movie Freaks 1d
3/5
Its strength lies in its premise and its willingness to explore world-altering concepts through ordinary human interaction. Go to Full Review Terry Sherwood Film Threat Dec 4
7/10
Universal will frustrate those seeking plot mechanics, resolution, or spectacle. It is a film about process, not payoff, questions, not clarity. Like a great stage play, its power lies in suggestion—in the unseen world trembling just beneath the dialogue. Go to Full Review Kent Hill Film Threat Dec 4
7/10
On the whole, Universal may not interest the casual movie watcher. But if you’ve a fondness for quirky humor, solid character interplay, and a smart single-location story, then your search is over as this is the hidden gem you never knew you needed. Go to Full Review Josh Bell Crooked Marquee Dec 3
C
The result is a movie that can't quite commit either to its stilted humor or its high-concept ideas, and ends up in a dissatisfying middle ground. Go to Full Review Andrew Murray The Upcoming Nov 26
3/5
Despite its handful of missteps along the way, a collection of impressive performances from its leads and a thoughtful approach to its themes ends Universal on a surprisingly poignant and bittersweet note. Go to Full Review Read all reviews
Universal

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Cast & Crew

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Stephen Portland

Director

Joe Thomas

Leo

Kelley Mack

Ricky

Rosa Robson

Naomi

Stephen Portland

Screenwriter

Kelley Mack

Executive Producer
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Universal

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Movie Info

Synopsis Leo and Naomi are a US-based British couple of academics, enjoying a romantic weekend in a remote log cabin. They are interrupted by the arrival of a woman who's been following Leo's research in the field of Junk DNA (parts of the human genome that appear to have no purpose). She claims to have discovered a hidden code, and needs help. She is given five minutes to explain what she has found. Five minutes turns to half an hour, which then becomes the rest of the day, leading to a lively dinner and a raucous night in the cabin. The next day, the gravity of the discovery begins to dawn on the three new friends, leading to a dramatic showdown over what to do with this explosive information.
Director
Stephen Portland
Screenwriter
Stephen Portland
Production Co
Subspin Productions
Genre
Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 5, 2025
Runtime
1h 30m
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