Jared Moshe explores the classic science fiction trope in his latest film, Aporia from Well Go USA. Since losing her husband Mal (Edi Gathegi) in a drunk-driving incident, Sophie (Judy Greer) has struggled to manage crippling grief, a full-time job, and the demands of parenting her devastated teenage daughter (Faithe Herman).
When her husband’s best friend Jabir (Payman Maadi), a former physicist, reveals that he has been building a time-bending machine that could restore her former life, Sophie will face an impossible choice—and unforeseeable consequences.
Judy Greer’s portrayal of Sophie in a time loop nightmare is genuinely captivating. Her performance is nothing short of exceptional, showcasing a remarkable emotional depth and vulnerability as she grapples with the perplexing limits of reality. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Edi Gathegi delivering a powerful performance as Sophie’s husband and Payman Maad as her supportive friend, adding to the overall strength of the production.
A notable aspect of the movie is its capability to keep the audience on their toes. The non-linear storyline cleverly placed plot twists and turns all contribute to keeping viewers engaged and curious about the truth behind time travel. The film effectively builds a sense of tension and ambiguity as Sophie’s desperation grows, and the distinction between reality and illusion becomes blurred.
While Aporia’s concept is intriguing, and its ability to build suspense is commendable, it does suffer from some pacing problems. In certain instances, the plot feels repetitive, with Sophie repeatedly waking up to different versions of her reality. The film’s overall quality would have benefited from tighter editing to maintain a consistent momentum.
Some individuals may have differing points of view regarding the film’s resolution. It is imperative to avoid divulging any spoilers; however, it must be noted that the explanation for time travel and the eventual conclusion may not satisfy the expectations of all viewers. This is primarily because the film delves into metaphysical and philosophical concepts that require a suspension of disbelief, which may prove challenging for specific individuals.
Aporia is a thought-provoking thriller that explores time, fate, and the human psyche. Judy Greer’s strong performance and the film’s suspenseful atmosphere make it an enjoyable watch for fans of psychological mysteries. While it may have some pacing issues and a divisive resolution, it still manages to deliver an intriguing and suspenseful experience.
Final Grade: B
Aporia is available to stream now on various platforms.
Martial arts auteur Siyu Cheng delivers his latest action-packed fest in “The Tai Chi Master” from Well Go USA. The Tai Chi Master” examines the journey of Zhang Junbao, a dedicated disciple of Wuji, who emerges as a crucial figure during significant upheaval.
On a musical level, the documentary is a library of Williams’ great works. It’s dramatic performances of his most famous songs, such as the classic “Star Wars” marches, the grand piano music from “Jurassic Park,” and the melancholy music from “Schindler’s List.” Each song is part of a narrative, a call to revisit old films and remember their heart-wrenching connections. Its thrilling finale (which celebrated his work on “Harry Potter”) also underscores the longevity of his music among audiences today.
Megan Fox teams up with director S.K. Dale to bring her feminine wiles to the world of A.I. in “Subservience” from XYZ Films. Will Honley and April Maguire wrote the film’s screenplay. Alice (Fox) is a lifelike, artificially intelligent android who can care for any family and home. Looking for help with the housework, struggling father Nick (Michele Morrone) purchases Alice after his wife Maggie (Madeline Zima) becomes sick. Alice suddenly becomes self-aware and wants everything her new family has to offer, starting with the affection of her owner — and she’ll kill to get it.