Introduction: A Time-Bending Crime Thriller
Things Will Be Different (2024) is an ambitious time-travel crime thriller that delves deep into the consequences of family bonds, regrets, and second chances. Directed by Michael Felker, the film showcases two estranged siblings as they navigate the complexities of time and crime. With its unique plot and stylistic approach, the movie leaves a lasting impact, weaving a story that bends both time and reality.
Plot Overview: The Struggles of Time and Crime
The story centers around Joseph (Adam David Thompson) and Sidney (Riley Dandy), two estranged siblings brought together by a shared past and a desperate present. After committing a robbery, the two seek refuge in a secluded farmhouse, but this isn’t just any hideaway—it’s a portal to another time. While their initial plan is to lay low until the heat dies down, the siblings soon find themselves trapped in a time loop, unable to escape.
Physical cues like VHS tapes and old clocks indicate that they’ve been thrust into the past, but the true nature of their imprisonment is far more unsettling. Joseph and Sidney face not only the perils of their criminal lives but also the emotional wounds that have kept them apart. This combination of crime thriller and time-travel sci-fi offers a tense, engaging narrative that forces the characters to confront their past and their bond.
Character Analysis: Family Ties Put to the Test
The relationship between Joseph and Sidney is the emotional core of the film. Joseph, the rough-around-the-edges older brother, is trying to secure a better future, while Sidney, a single mother, wants stability for her daughter. Their complicated dynamic adds emotional weight to the story, particularly as they struggle to survive in their time-locked situation.
Adam David Thompson portrays Joseph as a rugged, determined man who teeters on the edge of desperation. His journey is as much about atonement as it is about survival. Riley Dandy’s portrayal of Sidney is equally strong, offering a more grounded and practical counterpoint to Joseph’s impulsive nature. Together, their performances drive the tension and drama, making the audience care about their fate.
Visuals and Cinematography: A Masterclass in Atmosphere
Carissa Dorson’s cinematography elevates Things Will Be Different beyond a simple time-travel thriller. The isolated farmhouse serves as a character in itself, with its eerie emptiness and haunting landscapes. Dorson uses techniques like 360-degree panning to visually convey the passage of time, enhancing the film’s otherworldly atmosphere.
One standout visual motif is the use of timepieces—grandfather clocks and manual dials—that symbolize both the siblings’ imprisonment and the inexorable passage of time. The camera often blurs the edges of the frame, creating a sense of time being stretched or manipulated. This enhances the feeling that Joseph and Sidney are not just hiding from the law but are also trapped in a liminal space between the past and the future.
Themes and Messages: The Weight of Second Chances
At its core, Things Will Be Different explores themes of second chances, familial bonds, and the difficulty of escaping one’s past. The time-travel element serves as a metaphor for the characters’ desire to rewrite their history, but the film makes it clear that no matter how far they travel, they can’t outrun the consequences of their actions.
The film’s title, Things Will Be Different, reflects both the hope for a better future and the bitter reality that change is not as simple as it seems. This duality is echoed in the siblings’ relationship; while they hope to reconcile and move forward, their past traumas and mistakes continually pull them back.
Direction and Style: Michael Felker’s Promising Debut
For a debut feature, Michael Felker’s direction is impressive, blending tension, mystery, and emotion in a seamless narrative. The non-linear editing style, which he co-edited with Rebeca Marques, adds to the film’s disorienting feel, keeping the audience guessing without sacrificing coherence.
While the film’s pacing can be slow at times, Felker masterfully builds suspense through silence and natural sounds, making every creak of the floorboards or rustle in the cornfield feel like an ominous sign. The sparse use of music heightens the tension, as the natural ambiance of the farmhouse becomes an integral part of the storytelling.
Comparison to Similar Films
Things Will Be Different draws comparisons to other lo-fi time travel films like Primer and Looper, but it stands apart in its focus on emotional depth rather than intricate plot mechanics. Unlike the cerebral puzzles of Primer, Felker’s film leans into the emotional toll of time travel, using the science-fiction element as a backdrop for a family drama.
However, it lacks the action-driven thrills of Looper, opting instead for a more contemplative, slow-burn approach. While this might not appeal to all viewers, it allows the film to explore its themes in greater depth, making it a more personal, intimate story.
Final Verdict: A Thought-Provoking Thriller
Things Will Be Different is not a film for those seeking fast-paced action, but it offers plenty of tension and emotional depth for those willing to engage with its themes. Its unique blend of time travel, crime thriller, and family drama sets it apart in the genre, even if not all its elements fully land.
While the film’s pacing and cryptic plot twists may not work for everyone, its atmospheric visuals, strong performances, and thematic depth make it a worthwhile watch. Michael Felker’s debut shows promise, and it will be interesting to see how he develops his unique style in future projects.
Is It Worth Watching?
If you enjoy slow-burn thrillers with emotional depth and atmospheric storytelling, Things Will Be Different is worth your time. It may not offer the mind-bending complexity of other time-travel films, but its emotional resonance and haunting visuals make it a memorable experience.
Curious to explore more thought-provoking films like Things Will Be Different? Visit Where to Watch Things Will Be Different (2024) or check out other highly rated movies on Gomovies. You can also watch the trailer here for a sneak peek into the film’s tense, time-bending world.
