In my ‘Hidden Gems’ series, I delve into the confines of the streaming platforms to find and rave about special features that deserve (more) attention.
Sometime last year Diane and Devine Meet the Apocalypse arrived on Prime Video without fuzz or celebration (something that is unsurprising considering the defective publicity campaigns of this streaming service) and now I am here presenting a gracious request for everyone to watch this hidden gem that is waiting to be discovered.
Although produced in 2016, the movie was added to Prime Video’s catalogue in 2020 after appearing in festivals such as the Austin Film Festival and the Mill Valley Film Festival. In hindsight, its appearance turned out to be quite perfect in its timing just as the world started dealing with our new pandemic normality. The movie is set in the middle of an apocalypse, just as its name references it, and in a contrasting fashion to what we are experiencing right now, almost all of its action takes place in the exterior – the streets of Los Angeles, the desert, a ranch – giving the story a sense of eerie contrast to the fact that we have indoors for so long now.
The movie – written, directed, and starred by Etta Devine and Gabriel Diani – takes a sardonic view on Hollywood, Los Angeles, the entertainment industry and, of course, the end of the world, through a clever script and a modest budget. Considering that the main characters are based on the real comedians that bring them to life, it seems as if the audience is tagging along the misadventures of our leads as they try to deal with a mysterious event that ignites the apocalypse. When we first meet them, Gabe and Etta are in the middle of a comedy act, just hours before the beginning of the chaos. Soon after, they start unraveling, first in their house and then in the middle of nowhere as they take desperate measures in an unexpected event.
The fact that Devine and Diani appear as stand-up comedians guarantees laughs and clever remarks. Nevertheless, the movie is funnier when the couple is alone, quarrelling over everyday mishaps or confronting their doubts about the correct way to deal with the end of the world. Should they stay home, or should they leave? What should they pack? Should they take clothes for warm weather or cold? Should they bring books or just the essentials? What should they do with their pets? It is easy to identify with their unpreparedness and cluelessness. It is cathartic to witness their bickering and need of adaptation (as a couple) to these trying times (something that feels nostalgic if the viewer is dealing with this pandemic in solitary mode).
The comedy never gets sappy or sentimental. Even in moments of certain distress it somehow introduces humorous remarks and sharp comments. It even includes a special music number that champions the creativity of its writers and lightens up the mood. Personally, I enjoyed it more during its private moments, and less during its stand-up sketches (which are not prominent).
While the story is practically focused on the way the main couple deals with the apocalypse, the script also manages to include a commentary about the silly state of the entertainment industry, the importance of the arts during catastrophic times, and the abuse from those with power. In less than 1h30 minutes, Diane and Devine Live the Apocalypse proves to be an exciting venture for two rising stars not only behind cameras but in front of them too. Etta Devine constantly reminded me of Merritt Wever, whether through the way she talks – calmly even in the worst scenarios – or the way she acts, proving that her chemistry with Diani is the spark that makes the story come to live in moments of laughter or stress.
Diane and Devine Meet the Apocalypse is a hidden gem that should be immediately discovered. It seems as if right now, pandemic and end-of-the-world movies are starting to over-exist with varying quality. In this regard, do yourself a favor and watch one of the good ones.
