Things Will Be Different is a mind-bending sci-fi horror that firmly cements Michael Felker as a director to watch. Produced by genre stalwarts Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, this time-travel thriller excels in creating an eerie atmosphere, blending familial drama with supernatural dread. While the film might feel, at times, like an extended episode of Black Mirror—and that's not a bad thing—it stands on its own as a gripping and original piece of cinema.
The plot follows two estranged siblings, forced to hide out in a remote farmhouse after a robbery goes wrong. But this isn't just any farmhouse; it's a mysterious time-warping entity that conceals them from their pursuers, all while testing the limits of their fraying relationship. As the siblings face this cryptic force, they unravel layer upon layer of mysteries, each more perplexing than the last—an experience akin to the constant cliffhangers of Lost. Every answer leads to another question, leaving you constantly on edge and thoroughly invested in the outcome.
Riley Dandy's performance is nothing short of mesmerizing. From the moment she appears on screen, you can't take your eyes off her. Her portrayal of a woman torn between survival and the unraveling of reality is both piercing and profound, providing an emotional anchor in a film full of twists. The chemistry with Adam David Thompson, who plays her brother, adds authenticity to the strained sibling relationship, making their struggles feel grounded even amid fantastical circumstances.
The film is also notable for its creative use of camera work, with Felker utilizing the lens as a tool to reveal hidden truths about the world the characters inhabit. The camera becomes an extension of the narrative, offering subtle clues and building suspense in ways that make even the slowest moments feel charged with meaning. Speaking of pacing, while the film is mostly well-paced, it occasionally gets bogged down in what feels like necessary but tedious conversations, a flaw that may be smoothed out with tighter editing.
Despite these minor hiccups, Things Will Be Different excels in many technical aspects. The fight choreography, for instance, is surprisingly well-executed, especially for an indie production. It's raw, visceral, and realistic, adding a level of grit to the film's more fantastical elements. Special effects are kept to a minimum, in line with the "less is more" ethos that Benson and Moorhead are known for, but when they do appear, they are effective and unsettling.
The haunting score heightens the tension throughout, especially during the film's climactic moments. However, there are times when the music feels mismatched with the tone of certain scenes. Still, the movie makes up for it with a striking final track that resonates well beyond the credits.
Where Things Will Be Different stumbles is in its length. At 102 minutes, it feels like it could benefit from another round of editing to tighten the narrative. The ending, while entertaining, leans a little too heavily into convolution, leaving the audience to untangle a web of ideas that might have been more impactful with some trimming.
Ultimately, Things Will Be Different is a fresh and original take on the time-travel genre. With its sharp performances, atmospheric tension, and a plot that keeps you guessing, it's a film that’s well worth your time—especially if you're a fan of lo-fi sci-fi that prioritizes character over spectacle. Stop digging for details—go in knowing as little as possible, if you can. You won’t regret it.
Jessie Hobson