Review of Predestination (2013) by Brett H — 05 Jan 2016

Predestination is a mind-bending and brilliant, time-travel film by the Australian, Spierig Brothers that rewards the viewer's intelligence with a masterfully told tale of fate, consequence, and the paradoxes created with traveling through time.

The Spierig Brothers' previous effort, also an Ethan Hawke collaboration, Daybreakers showed promise for this duo that they could think outside the box and this film is easily their crown jewel. The acting from Ethan Hawke, who I've always adored, is first-rate, but the scene-stealing performance from newcomer, Sarah Snook will floor you; her multi-layered performance will certainly get her more work.

There is an extended conversation that takes place between these two characters that takes up most of the first act; the delivery, tone, and subject matter of this conversation is absolute perfection and definitely, the highlight of the film! I have to be very careful not to reveal too much about the plot, but essentially, Ethan Hawke is a time-traveling law enforcement agent who's trying to stop a deadly bomber and on his travels comes across a mysterious woman who changes his life.

The less you know about this film, the better. It has some amazing twists, some you may see coming, some might make your mouth drop, either way, this film takes risks and I adore it's originality.

They also use a neat technique for when the characters travel through time with a sudden rush of energy, and they capitalize on this idea visually when the character uses the time machine inside of a car.

This is an off-the-beaten-path, science fiction gem, that many will not give a chance due to its modest budget and challenging ideas, but, if you enjoy giving your brain a work-out once in a while and give yourself over to the majesty of this film, it will take you on one hell of a ride!