Filmed in authentic Melbourne, Australia, abhorrent locations, not your average micro-budget time-travel thriller; more of a labyrinth into the minds of unemployed petty thief street dwelling drug abusers, amidst cross pollination of lost family members and fundamental survival tactics they require when jumping into the past or future.
Beginning in 1995, proceedings are weird, constantly confusing, thankfully well acted, ambitiously directed by Kiwi Sam Odlum, whilst remaining still somewhat worthy of a second viewing to spot subtle clues leading into an inspired epilogue.
Introduced to our low life lead characters early, Johnny (Charles Grounds) and Denise (Freya Tingley) are no strangers to snatch, grab, break-ins and general criminal activity to support their habit.
Johnny owes money with interest to a local laundromat dwelling thug Kane (Joshua Morton) so when offered a lifeline to a bigger payout through means of a riskier, illegal enterprise, he and Densie reluctantly agree to heist a bag filled with a mystery substance stashed inside a supposedly abandoned, derelict house. Production design all round is vivid. Score from James Orr, effective.
The pair of young burglars are told not to taste test any merchandise inside the bag, this rule from pusher Kane is ignored and it turns out the contents are temporal narcotics that cause time-slips for the individual when consumed.
Not knowing what is happening as the sketchy pair bump into and see future or past selves, there’s a whirlwind of secrets still yet to be unleashed from Kane including his master plan of ulterior motives. Hold on tight as Morton gives Kane durability!
My sympathy was zero for anyone besides Denise, largely due to a preeminent, reflective acting performance by Freya Tingley. Her volatile mannerisms struck purpose, true emotions ran high, justified to a better life deserved, all whilst hitting marks and delivering believable dialogue in bizarre situations.
Grounds is good too, so much so I disliked the awfully annoying Johnny to extremes, I wished his every quantum leap was his last.
Elise Jansen, recently seen in extravagant Aussie horror, Late Night with the Devil, pops up briefly as Tracey, an important cog to this unduly, obscure puzzle.
★★ 1/2
Sci-Fi | Australia, 2023 | 15 | Cinema, Icon Film Channel | Kaleidoscope Entertainment | Dir. Sam Odlum | Freya Tingley, Charles Grounds, Elise Jansen, Joshua Morton,
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