Predestination Review: Engrossing Time-Travel Saga

Predestination has no intention of making any logical sense and capitalizes on its own paradox.

This loopy film has a hint of Looper with a bit of Back to the Future II. While the plot is confusing, the twists and turns are executed well to keep you engaged.

The story jumps to different timelines through convincing set pieces. The small yet detailed set-pieces and minimal effects gave it its own look.

The cinematography and production did a good job of making each time period distinct through set designs, costumes, and lighting. The film score adds melancholic flourishes at the right moments.

What anchors the whole movie is the cast. Sarah Snook steals the show with a great dual performance. Ethan Hawke has been making rounds in the indie circles with good choices. Noah Taylor has limited screen time, but still makes an intriguing character.

While Predestination is a fun time-hopping adventure of sorts, the film is a superficial mind trip that only exists to pose the eternal question – what comes first, the chicken or the egg?

It doesn’t tackle any of the potential themes that come along the way – identity and gender norms, the inevitability of time, and the inconsistency of human nature.

There’s isn’t much going for it after you’ve seen the reveal.

Even with this, Predestination is still an engrossing movie with a touching character story that poses a universal question – can we really change our future, or are we destined to make the same mistakes?