Our Times (2025) Movie Review – A Time-Travel Tale of Feminism, Identity, and Change
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Time-travel films often ask: What happens when you leap into the future? But Our Times (Nuestros Tiempos), directed by Chava Cartas, flips the script and poses a more complex question: What if the future reveals how small your world used to be? Premiering exclusively on Netflix, this 2025 Mexican science-fiction dramedy redefines genre expectations with its mix of light comedy, introspective social commentary, and a strong feminist core.
Though it may not rival blockbuster sci-fi epics in scale, it offers something more valuable—perspective. Our Times isn’t just about physics and paradoxes; it’s a quiet revolution in how we look at love, identity, and progress.
Plot Overview: A Leap Forward… Too Far
Set in 1966, the story follows married physicists Nora (played by Lucero) and Héctor (Benny Ibarra), who inadvertently propel themselves 59 years into the future while testing their homegrown time machine. What was meant to be a 15-minute leap turns into a full-fledged plunge into 2025. The machine malfunctions and they’re stranded, forced to confront a world that’s nothing like the one they left behind.
What begins as a lighthearted fish-out-of-water comedy quickly evolves into something deeper. From flavored condoms to smartphones, Nora and Héctor struggle to adapt. But as the dust settles, it becomes increasingly clear that this isn’t just about culture shock. It’s about a societal shift—and for Nora, a chance to finally live in a world that values her mind as much as it once sidelined her for her gender.
Characters and Performances: A Tale of Two Trajectories
Lucero shines in her return to the big screen. Her portrayal of Nora is both heartfelt and grounded. Initially confused and amused by modern technology, Nora soon discovers that the 21st century is a place where her intelligence and ideas are not just acknowledged—they’re celebrated.
Héctor, on the other hand, played with conflicted charm by Benny Ibarra, struggles with the changing dynamics. In 1966, he was a man at the center of respect, even if undeserved. But in 2025, his outdated attitudes and fragile ego can no longer command the same respect, especially not from empowered women like Nora or her great-niece Alondra (Renata Vaca), who now represents a completely different set of values.
Their character arcs, though emotionally driven, lack the full development needed to be wholly satisfying. The chemistry is there, especially in their early scenes, but the rapid pace leaves some deeper themes undercooked.
Feminism in Focus: From Subtext to Spotlight
The film’s pivot into feminist territory is bold, but not subtle. Nora’s journey from passive assistant to respected thought leader serves as a symbol of the cultural evolution in gender equality. One memorable scene finds her face-to-face with Julia (Ofelia Medina), a former student turned university dean—a powerful reminder that mentorship and societal progress can come full circle.
However, Héctor’s response is less graceful. He grapples with this new world where his traditional masculine identity feels obsolete. The script teeters between empathy and caricature, painting him at times as a sympathetic relic of the past and at others as a stand-in for outdated gender norms.
Some viewers may find this transformation jarring, especially in the film’s final act where it seems to suggest that love doesn’t always mean staying together—it might mean letting go to grow.
Cinematography and Direction: Subtle Visual Poetry
Visually, Our Times is beautifully crafted. Cinematographer Miriam Shor delivers a warm, nostalgic palette for the 1960s, contrasting with the colder, more sterile look of the modern world. This duality underscores the emotional and ideological distance between the two time periods.
Director Chava Cartas balances the sci-fi premise with personal drama well enough, though the compact 90-minute runtime limits the film’s ability to fully explore its more ambitious themes. A longer runtime could have allowed the nuanced character development this story truly deserves.
Strengths and Shortcomings
Strengths:
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Strong lead performance by Lucero
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Timely feminist messaging
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Engaging concept with nostalgic charm
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Subtle comedy that doesn’t overreach
Weaknesses:
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Underdeveloped subplot arcs
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The transition from comedy to drama feels abrupt
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Feminist themes sometimes feel too didactic
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Héctor’s character lacks a coherent arc
Final Verdict
Our Times (2025) offers a lot to chew on: a clever setup, heartfelt performances, and a bold attempt to merge science fiction with social commentary. Though it stumbles in places, especially in handling its heavier themes with sufficient depth, it’s undeniably a conversation starter.
At its heart, this is not just a movie about time travel. It’s about evolution—personal, societal, and emotional. If you’re in the mood for a sci-fi film that makes you think, laugh, and reflect (sometimes all at once), Our Times is worth the watch.
Should You Watch It?
If you’re tired of cookie-cutter time travel flicks and want something with heart and relevance, stream Our Times now on Netflix. Whether you’re here for the feminist themes, nostalgic aesthetics, or simply a new kind of rom-com, this movie offers a little something for everyone—especially if you’re ready to think about how far we’ve come… and how far we still need to go.
👉 Watch Our Times on Netflix Now