Andrew Stanton, the visionary behind Pixar classics like *Finding Nemo* and *WALL-E*, returns to the director’s chair with *In the Blink of an Eye*, a long-awaited sci-fi adventure that has taken nearly three years to reach audiences. However, despite its ambitious scope and star-studded cast, including Rashida Jones and Kate McKinnon, the film fails to resonate, offering a frustratingly muddled experience instead of the profound journey it aspires to be.
A Rocky Start
The film opens with a striking image: a Neanderthal man named Thorn, portrayed by Jorge Vargas, precariously navigating a treacherous beach 45,000 years in the past. In a fateful moment, he loses his footing and tumbles onto the jagged stones below. This scene is intended to illustrate the precariousness of early human existence, yet it also serves as a metaphor for the film’s own troubled production history. Originally filmed in 2023, *In the Blink of an Eye* finally makes its debut on Hulu, arriving with an aura of uncertainty that is seldom a good omen in the film industry.
Stanton, renowned for creating emotionally impactful narratives, seems to have stumbled in translating his creative vision into this project. The film attempts to weave together a sprawling narrative that spans from the Big Bang to distant, lush planets, yet it ultimately flounders in delivering the emotional depth and complexity one would expect from such a grand concept.
A Disjointed Narrative
Written by Colby Day, the plot of *In the Blink of an Eye* struggles under the weight of its own ambition. The narrative’s disjointed nature leaves audiences grappling for a coherent thread to follow. We are presented with a series of vignettes that, while touching on themes of love, companionship, and survival, lack the grounding required to evoke genuine engagement.
The prehistoric family, composed of Thorn, his partner Hera (Tanaya Beatty), and their child Lark (Skywalker Hughes), communicate in an unintelligible dialect, their names only identified through title cards. This artistic choice, while intriguing, calls to mind the Geico caveman and detracts from the film’s intended gravitas.
Meanwhile, in the present day, Rashida Jones stars as Claire, an anthropology professor trying to justify her research on Neanderthal remains to her mother in a conversation filled with continuity errors. This awkward and somewhat comedic exchange contrasts sharply with the gravity of the story’s overarching themes.
In a far-future setting, Kate McKinnon takes on the role of a “longevity” pilot tasked with colonising a new planet, accompanied only by an AI version of Claire. Although McKinnon’s comedic talents shine through, the film’s overall tone fails to strike a balance between humour and seriousness, resulting in moments that are unintentionally laughable rather than impactful.
Attempts at Depth Fall Flat
Despite its ambitious premise, *In the Blink of an Eye* often feels tedious and uninspired. The film’s attempts to explore existential themes are undermined by its awkward execution. Lines such as “the antivirals aren’t working!” emerge as clumsy exposition rather than meaningful dialogue. The bizarre concepts presented—like babies hatching in spaceship drawers—contribute to the film’s overall sense of disarray.
As the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that the most engaging section features the Neanderthals, who, despite their lack of language and modernity, resonate with a primal sense of wonder and survival. Their struggles against the elements evoke a raw simplicity that stands in stark contrast to the convoluted present-day plotlines.
The Waiting Game
*In the Blink of an Eye* is a 94-minute journey that, for all its ambition, lacks a clear narrative focus. The film touches on universal human experiences, yet these themes feel stripped of their significance, as if they were mere afterthoughts rather than integral components of the story.
The film’s conclusion, featuring a techno-optimistic vision of the future, attempts to capture the awe it so desperately seeks to convey. However, the execution falls short, leaving viewers with more questions than answers.
*In the Blink of an Eye* will be available on Hulu in the US and on Disney+ in other regions starting February 27.
Why it Matters
The release of *In the Blink of an Eye* serves as a reminder of the challenges inherent in ambitious storytelling, particularly within the realm of science fiction. While Stanton has previously crafted narratives that resonate deeply with audiences, this latest offering illustrates the delicate balance required to translate complex ideas into compelling cinema. The film’s shortcomings underscore the importance of narrative coherence and emotional connection, elements that are essential for engaging the viewer’s imagination and fostering a lasting impact.
