Welcome to the extraordinary realm of *Boys Go to Jupiter*, where extraterrestrials associate with delivery drivers, juice plants generate mutated fruits from lunar rocks, and eccentric electronic melodies are everywhere.

This isn’t an unfamiliar planet or a different dimension: it’s suburban Florida. Nevertheless, under the direction of Julian Glander, a 3D animator, *Boys Go to Jupiter* metamorphoses Florida into a fantastical, enchanting world where the bizarre and the commonplace blend seamlessly. Odd, amusing, and showcasing refreshingly unique animation, *Boys Go to Jupiter* provides a delightfully absurd experience.

### What’s Boys Go to Jupiter about?

*Boys Go to Jupiter* centers on high school dropout Billy 5000 (voiced by Jack Corbett), who is striving to raise $5,000 by delivering food using the Grubster app. Along his quest, he forms a friendship with Donut, a gelatinous, blue, donut-shaped alien pursued by juice tycoon Dr. Dolphin (voiced by Janeane Garofalo).

The premise hints at a boy-rescuing-alien narrative reminiscent of *E.T.*, but *Boys Go to Jupiter* takes a more leisurely, exploratory route. Billy frequently finds himself in strange vignettes, such as engaging in a philosophical discussion with a hot dog stand operator or starring in a mini music video celebrating the magnificence of eggs. Glander dwells on these vignettes, portraying Billy’s universe as a patchwork of peculiarities he’d prefer to evade in order to concentrate on his endeavors.

Of course, that endeavor comes with obstacles, as *Boys Go to Jupiter* firmly embraces an anti-capitalist viewpoint. Elements like Grubster employees being unable to engage with patrons and having to recite “grubby” slogans depict Billy’s job as a monotonous dystopia. Glander sometimes opts for a bolder approach, such as when Dr. Dolphin’s daughter, aspiring revolutionary Rozebud (voiced by singer Miya Folick), hands Billy a book about capitalism, which he quickly absorbs.

### Boys Go to Jupiter is unusual, and embraces it.

While Billy operates as a cog in the hustle culture machinery, the film itself liberates itself from conventions to carve out its uniqueness. The voice cast features distinctive comedians including Sarah Sherman, Julio Torres, and Cole Escola. Glander’s characteristic animation style showcases neon CG graphics ranging from blobby to plastic-like, allowing characters and settings to appear akin to toys or video game landscapes. This deliberate artificiality is refreshing, fostering a playful atmosphere that distinguishes *Boys Go to Jupiter* from more lifelike CG animated films.

Glander enriches the film’s unique appearance with low-fi musical sequences, such as a tribute to side hustles or a rundown of an alien’s preferred Florida treats. These enhance the film’s wandering nature, providing unexpected but always welcome diversions. While *Boys Go to Jupiter* may lose its aim as it nears its finale, the journey remains gratifying.

*Boys Go to Jupiter* premieres in theaters on Aug. 8.

*UPDATE: Aug. 5, 2025, 9:31 a.m. Boys Go to Jupiter was reviewed following its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 11, 2024. This article has been revised to incorporate the most recent release details.*