Synchronic

 

Usually the sci-fi genre isn't one of my favorite ones, unless it has an unusual and interesting premise to offer, and as I was driving to the multiplex, I wasn't expecting anything intriguing. However, as "Synchronic" started to unfold, at first was a bit slow, turned out to be a film I clearly wasn't expecting.

When New Orleans paramedics and longtime best friends, Steve (Anthony Mackie) and Dennis (Jamie Dornan) are called to a series of bizarre and gruesome accidents, they chalk it up to a mysterious new drug found at each scene. But after Dennis' oldest daughter Brianna (Ally Ioannides) disappears, Steve stumbles upon a terrifying truth about the supposed psychedelic called Synchronic that will challenge everything he knows about reality--and the flow of time itself, especially after inadvertently meeting the creator of the drug, Dr. Kermani (Ramiz Monsef).

Others to round out the cast are Katie Aselton as Tara, Dennis' wife, Natasha Tina Liu as Christina, Martin Bats Bradford as Bob, Devyn A. Tyler as Danika, Lawrence Turner as Joe, Shane Brady as Travis, Kate Adair as crack girlfriend of Travis' and Bill Oberst Jr. as the looter.

This was calculated and delineated well by directors Justin Benson ("Resolution" '12, "V/H/S Viral" (segment- "Bonestorm") '14, "Spring" '14, "The Endless" '17) plus TV and shorts, and Aaron Moorhead ("A Glaring Emission" '10 plus the films listed above) plus TV, shorts and a video short. Certainly with the experience these filmmakers bring to the table, they have proven themselves time and again and this is no exception. The pathos and grit the actors exuded in their performances shows these two are talented. It was creatively written by Benson ("Resolution" '12, "V/H/S Viral" (segment- "Bonestorm") '14, "Spring" '14, "The Endless" '17). The writing in this has a 'Christopher Nolan' type of feel to it in that it is a bit cerebral, but definitely captures the audience's attention. I could go into some of the plot in this, however in doing this, it could possibly spoil the effect. As I mentioned prior, it starts off a bit slow, but takes no time in picking up the pace and then keeps one riveted. Suffice it to say, it involves past time travel after taking Synchronic. This is truly a Moorhead/Benson film considering they also were involved in the cinematography and editing and I feel that only contributed to its effectiveness.

If sci-fi, or more to the point, sci-fi that is intriguing and keeps you wondering is to your liking,  this is the film for you. It ends somewhat bittersweetly, not to blow it for anyone, but the ride there is worth the 100 minute running time. This also looks killer on the large screen as well. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                              Rated: R                                                101mins.