Callie Hernandez has enjoyed a very busy two years in front of and behind the camera, with her latest project being Invention. But unlike the similarly lo-fi, character-driven The True Beauty of Being Bitten by a Tick, which I fell in love with after its SXSW premiere, this surreal spin on the documentary genre never quite finds the same rhythm or compelling grip.

Hailing from Hernandez and Courtney Stephens, the latter of whom is in the director’s chair, Invention acts as a mix of autobiography and metafiction, putting its star at the forefront. The movie is set in the wake of Carrie’s (Hernandez) father’s death, in which she learns her sole inheritance is that of a patent for an experimental device meant to heal through electric waves. As she digs deeper into his work, Carrie finds herself having to confront not only her loss but also the nature of one’s impact on the world.

Invention Has A Very Novel Concept Marred By An Odd Execution

I Was Never Quite Hooked By The Material

Though she has a few so-called “traditional” releases in her filmography, namely that of Alien: Covenant and the largely underrated Blair Witch, Hernandez has so often explored more high-concept projects. Whether it be the aforementioned True Beauty of Being Bitten by a Tick or the mind-bending OBEX, which previously premiered at Sundance, Hernandez has also nicely expanded to the writing side of things. But where those had a gripping narrative driving them, Invention sits on a little rockier foundation.

The combination of a metafictional story of Hernandez’s life featuring actual archival footage does feel rather fresh, but where it falters is in its actual structure. Despite frequent references to Hernandez’s father being “Dr. J” and allusions to his past work in the alternative medical field, the cuts to his various recorded presentations and talk show appearances feel a little out of place for the first half of the film. They also rarely connect to anything going on in the plot directly; rather, they’re loose thematic ties.

Another part that left me feeling divided about Invention‘s execution is its apparent jumps in time with its story, namely Carrie’s conversations with her father’s estate attorney. The conversations themselves offer brief moments of intrigue, though they are often undercut by things like Stephens stepping into the frame to mark a scene, or off-camera conversations between Hernandez and a scene partner. This does align with the semi-documentary style of the film, but even still, I couldn’t help but find myself a little taken aback at times.

Invention’s Visual Direction Is A Low-Tech Delight

The Atmosphere Feels Appropriately Surreal & The Setting Timeless

Given the film’s mix of formats, there’s certainly a wide range of possibilities that Stephens and cinematographer Rafael Palacio Illingworth could have taken for Invention‘s visual palette, but the very straightforward approach somehow amplifies its artistic value. Going for more of a lifestyle documentary and indie drama than testimonials or overly complex scenery, it’s easier to remain grounded in Hernandez’s journey of discovery and reflection. It also goes a long way in making its surreal elements feel grounded without being too cartoonish, whether it’s conspiracy-driven conversations about Dr. J’s work or essentially being pushed into praying despite her lack of religious interest.

Callie Hernandez Absolutely Dominates The Film With Her Performance

Without Her Grounding The Story, Its Unique Concept Would Definitely Have Been Lost

Invention‘s cast bears a lot of the responsibility of keeping our feet on the ground amid its lofty concept, and the majority of them do a great job with this. A Different Man‘s Lucy Kaminsky brings the right mix of levity and authenticity to Babby, one of Dr. J’s patients, who is also one of the few to have the prototype medical equipment used on her; Tony Torn is very charming as the friendly antiques store owner who provides a unique form of emotional support to Carrie, while You’re Next‘s Joe Swanberg continues to delight in offbeat comedy roles.

Beyond her just being at the top of the call sheet, there’s really no denying that Hernandez is the real star of Invention. Pulling from her very real grief and attempt to process her father’s unique profession, the co-writer/star delivers some truly powerful moments, particularly when she finally allows herself the chance to grieve, her sobs clearly coming from a heartbreakingly real place rather than acting. Even if I didn’t quite love the film, I can’t deny I hope it inspires more to take the same bold risks Hernandez and Stephens did.

Invention hits theaters at the Metrograph on April 18.