![]() ![]() It’s a technique that’s arguably more effective than those of better funded movies like the similarly premised Edge of Tomorrow. Yet even this limitation is used to advantage, imposing a claustrophobic feeling that reflects the trap of the time loop. The small budget is used to absolute efficiency, with characters confined to the same concrete walls for most of the movie. As each loop unfolds, more information is uncovered that builds upon the last and further ups the stakes. In many ways it resembles Mad Max: Fury Road‘s style of storytelling: scraping away everything except the absolute basics while dragging the audience on an adrenaline-pumped ride. But Elliot is superbly good at delivering information in passing, never spelling anything out. In less capable hands, the lack of set up would be baffling and frustrating. When things go wrong and Ren starts re-living the same few hours over and over, he realises they’ve somehow entered a time loop. There’s barely time for a breath before masked men burst in the bedroom of rogue scientist Ren (Robbie Amell), threaten his girlfriend Hannah (Rachael Taylor) and demand money. ![]() Written and directed by Tony Elliot – of Orphan Black fame – with a modest budget of less than $2 million, it delivers novel ideas and unpredictable plot twists.ĪRQ jumps straight into the action. Time travel is a well-worn concept, so it’s a rare treat to find a fresh approach like Netflix‘s sci-fi movie ARQ. It leaves a little to be desired, plot-wise, but is a fun ride if you’re willing to just go with it.[Note: This is a repost of our 2016 review. The movie, although it’s not complex, is interesting and entertaining, and while it doesn’t exactly breath new life into the time loop genre, it’s gritty and gory and appeals to the side of me that loves darker storylines. Use of Your Netflix Subscription: Hidden TreasureĪRQ is one of those sleeper films that would never have done well in theaters, but might find something nearing cult status on Netflix. I think introducing alcohol into the mix might have less than pleasant consequences, and I don’t want anyone to experience a hangover when they’ve only begun drinking. I don’t think this movie can’t be watched in a group setting, but I’d be wary of inviting anyone who doesn’t like movies that air on SyFy or have PhDs in physics.īasically, what I’m saying is, find a middle ground between your picky friends and your too-smart friends and you’re golden.ĪRQ plays fast and loose with time, and therefore is a little hard to follow even stone-cold sober. It has very little world building-although what little there is intriguing, and I wish we learned more-and deals with science fiction elements that some people might find overly complicated or totally implausible. ![]() ![]() Looks like all of the stunt training she did played doubled duty.ĭue to the nature of its plot, ARQ is not a movie that will appeal to the masses. I knew I’d seen Rachael in other shows/movies, but it wasn’t until I looked at her IMDB page that I realized she plays Trish Walker in Jessica Jones. (Unfortch, Robbie never takes his shirt off in this role.) From a purely superficial standpoint, mind you Phil is much more amusing to watch loop after loop after loop. Renton’s not the most nuanced of roles, but if we have to watch someone experience a time loop, I’d prefer to look at Robbie than Bill Murray. Genius engineer Robbie Amell and Jessica Jones’ Trish Walker experience a sinister Groundhog Day in a near-future dystopian wasteland. Trapped in a lab and stuck in a time loop, a disoriented couple fends off masked raiders while harboring a new energy source that could save humanity. ![]()
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