Predestination
2014
Screen Australia / Screen Queensland / Blacklab Entertainment / Wolfhound Pictures
Stage 6 Films / Signature Entertainment / Arclight Films
7.5 / 10
This is a very well sculptured and acted time travelling tale about an agent who is on his final mission to stop the fizzle bomber. Throughout all his travels back in time, the bomber has always appeared to be one step ahead of him.
The Spierig Brothers, Michael and Peter, wrote a nicely crafted and layered story based on the Robert A Heinlein's story "All you zombies". As directors, they do a fantastic job of bringing the story to the screen and getting the best out of their actors. I've always rated Ethan Hawke and here he excels as The Barkeep; the agent on his last assignment. Along with Sarah Snook, who is brilliant as The Unmarried Mother, they add a touch of class to the movie.
This is not an action-packed movie as it relies on the story rather than glossy special effects and fight scenes. At times, it's slow and thought-provoking as the audience is slowly immersed in an emerging mystery. The climax makes Oldboy's seem tame in comparison.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with this film...
Except for one thing...
From H G Wells' The Time Machine to Doctor Who to Back To The Future to Dr Who there's been one absolute that a time traveller must not do... but they always do... The paradox. Unfortunately, if you like science fiction and time travel then you will probably figure out the ending of the film before it comes. I had an inkling in the first scene. Then, by the twentieth minute, I'd got most of it figured out. Ten minutes after that I understood. Which left two-thirds of the film left to go.
However, this wasn't much of an issue as the film pretty much carries itself strongly throughout and I enjoyed every minute of it, right up to the chilling finale.
This is not a film for everybody, though if you don't mind the slower dramatic style of moviemaking then you should enjoy this film.
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