This new Australian sci-fi film is predictable and lacks real emotion, but is shot beautifully.
Predestination chronicles the life of a Temporal Agent sent on an intricate series of time-travel journeys designed to ensure the continuation of his law enforcement career for all eternity. Now, on his final assignment, the Agent must pursue the one criminal that has eluded him throughout time.
This movie was written and directed by Michael and Peter Spierig. The script itself is very weak; it’s a simplistic story that’s been padded out with action scenes. The writers try exceptionally hard to put emotion into the film and this always comes across as very forced.
Ethan Hawke played the lead simply known as “Bartender” and while his performance was strong the script let him down. Sarah Snook played “the unmarried mother” (if you think the character names are weird wait till you see the film) and gave the best performance of the film. She portrayed both the emotional and physical sides of her character very well. The two leads of the film make the movie bearable and through their delivery make the predictable script interesting.
Cinematographer Ben Nott has done an excellent job in using new and innovative techniques in filming the picture. Through this impressive cinematography he has made some considerably dull scenes visually interesting. I would recommend any cinematographers have a look at this film just to observe the unique way in which it is filmed.
Overall a weak plot and script that is redeemed by two great actors, and excellent cinematography. Not a film I’d strongly recommend, but it is bearable.
2 Stars
Review by Benjamin Maio Mackay
Movie screening courtesy of Palace Nova Cinemas