Unraveling the Temporal Tapestry: A Captivating Exploration of "Things Will Be Different"

In the captivating film "Things Will Be Different," director Michael Felker weaves a tapestry of intrigue, blending elements of action, thriller, and relationship drama into a mesmerizing cinematic experience. This debut feature from the filmmaker, co-edited with Rebeca Marques, presents a nonlinear narrative that challenges the audience's perception of time and reality, leaving them to unravel the enigmatic story at their own pace.

Unraveling the Mysteries of Time and Space

A Temporal Purgatory

The film follows the journey of two criminals, a brother and sister, who use time travel as a means to escape punishment for their misdeeds. However, their attempt to cheat the system leads them to a farmhouse where a past crime has been committed, trapping them in a temporal purgatory. As they navigate this eerie and unsettling environment, the characters begin to question the very nature of their existence, blurring the lines between reality and the uncanny.

Mastering Tone and Pacing

Felker's directorial prowess shines through in the film's remarkable command of tone and pacing. The movie dances between action, suspense, and contemplative moments, creating a captivating rhythm that keeps the audience engaged. The use of natural sound, with minimal music, heightens the sense of immersion, making the audience hyper-aware of the subtle details that shape the characters' experiences.

A Puzzle of Narrative Resets

"Things Will Be Different" is a puzzle movie that challenges the audience's expectations. The narrative pivots and introduces new elements, resetting the frame of the story multiple times. While this approach may not work for everyone, it undoubtedly showcases Felker's ambition and his willingness to take risks in storytelling. The result is a film that demands the viewer's attention and rewards those who are willing to follow its nonlinear path.

Exploring the Emotional Core

At the heart of the film lies the relationship between the brother and sister, played with outstanding physicality and chemistry by Adam David Thompson and Riley Dandy. Their bond, which transcends the traditional sibling dynamic, becomes the emotional anchor of the story. The actors' ability to convey the nuances of their characters' feelings, from the primal purity of their love to the raw emotions that surface during moments of conflict, is a testament to their craft.

A Cinematic Symphony

"Things Will Be Different" is more than just a story; it is a cinematic symphony, where the visual language, editing, and sound design work in harmony to create a unique and immersive experience. The "passage of time" montages are particularly noteworthy, ranking among the best in recent memory. The strategic repetition of the farmhouse setting, which becomes a character in itself, further enhances the film's sense of place and the characters' entanglement with their surroundings.

Transcending Conventional Storytelling

Ultimately, "Things Will Be Different" is a film that prioritizes feeling and rhythm over strict logic and order. While the narrative may not always adhere to conventional storytelling, it succeeds in creating a captivating and thought-provoking experience. Felker's confident and ambitious approach, combined with the outstanding performances and technical mastery, make this film a must-see for fans of cinematic exploration and those who appreciate the power of the medium to transcend the boundaries of traditional storytelling.