Review by Jon Donnis
Space / Time is a compact and engaging sci-fi thriller set in 2033, exploring the consequences of a radical experiment in bending space itself. The story begins with a promising scientific breakthrough that ends in disaster, leaving the key players discredited and the project abandoned. Into this void steps Holt, played with controlled intensity by Hugh Parker, whose determination to salvage his work drives the narrative forward. With his sharp assistant Liv, portrayed with poise and intelligence by Ashlee Lollback, he descends into the criminal underworld to rebuild the device, creating a tense, high-stakes atmosphere that grips the audience.
The film's strongest asset is its pacing. At under 90 minutes, it wastes no time, moving quickly into the action and keeping the story taut. Once the time travel element kicks in, roughly an hour in, the plot demands full attention, rewarding viewers with clever twists and moral tension. Michael O'Halloran's direction makes the most of a limited Australian budget, delivering surprisingly polished visual effects that elevate the stakes without feeling overblown. Parker and Lollback provide strong central performances, balancing brilliance and obsession with subtle emotional beats. Pacharo Mzembe adds depth to the ensemble, rounding out a cast that holds the story together. The film also distinguishes itself by offering a fresh take on time travel, a genre where originality is rare, giving the story a sense of novelty without unnecessary complexity.
On the downside, the film never fully conveys the actual threat the characters are trying to avert. It hints at global collapse, perhaps tied to climate change, but the stakes remain somewhat abstract. A clearer depiction of the looming danger would have added weight to their urgency and intensified the drama. Despite this, the story maintains enough tension to carry the narrative.
Space / Time is a well-made, well-acted, and visually impressive film that offers an inventive approach to time travel. It is both exciting and thoughtful, rewarding viewers who engage with its ideas and pace. I give Space / Time a solid 8 out of 10.
Out on Digital
Apple TV - https://apple.co/4oRY4rD
