Andrew Stanton, the visionary behind animated classics like *Finding Nemo* and *Wall-E*, finally unveils his much-anticipated sci-fi epic, *In the Blink of an Eye*, now streaming on Hulu and Disney+ starting 27 February. However, what was once thought to be an ambitious exploration of existence has instead morphed into a perplexing narrative that struggles to find its footing across the ages.
A Rocky Start
The film opens with a Neanderthal man, portrayed by Jorge Vargas, precariously navigating a rocky shore 45,000 years in the past. His ill-fated attempt to scale a steep rock serves as a stark metaphor for the film’s own tumultuous production journey. Shot as far back as 2023, the film has endured numerous delays, raising eyebrows and questions about its viability. Was it a sign of an intricate narrative or an impending disaster? Unfortunately, as the story unfolds, it becomes evident that the latter may be closer to the truth.
An Overly Ambitious Narrative
Written by Colby Day, *In the Blink of an Eye* ambitiously attempts to encapsulate the entirety of human existence, from the Big Bang to futuristic colonisation. Yet, the execution feels disjointed and lacks the emotional resonance one would expect from Stanton’s previous work. The film’s attempts at depth come across as shallow, often resembling a simplistic cave painting rather than a profound exploration of life and survival.
In a series of jarring transitions, viewers find themselves alternating between the prehistoric family and a present-day anthropology professor, Claire (Rashida Jones). Her attempts to justify her research on Neanderthals to her mother feel more like a comedic skit than a sincere narrative, while the interactions with Kate McKinnon’s character, a colonisation pilot, introduce further confusion rather than clarity.
A Mix of Comedy and Frustration
While McKinnon’s performance as a task-driven pilot adds an element of humour, the film never fully embraces its comedic potential. Moments intended to be funny often fall flat. For instance, McKinnon’s straight-faced navigation of a manual titled “Settlement Preparations” elicits laughter, but the overall tone remains inconsistent. The film’s serious undertones struggle to coexist with its lighter moments, leading to a viewing experience that is at once tedious and bewildering.
Despite its various attempts at storytelling, the film fails to establish a cohesive narrative thread. The characters, including Claire and her brief fling with statistics professor Greg (played by Daveed Diggs), lack depth and connection. Their relationships feel forced, and viewers are often left wondering about the significance of these interactions.
The Neanderthal Connection
Ironically, it is the film’s depiction of Neanderthals that comes closest to capturing the awe and wonder the narrative strives to evoke. Their simplistic existence, marked by the rawness of survival, resonates more profoundly than the convoluted modern timelines. As the film attempts to weave together the fabric of humanity, it is the cavemen, removed in time and language, who evoke a sense of wonder that the rest of the film ultimately fails to deliver.
Why it Matters
*In the Blink of an Eye* serves as a reminder that even the most celebrated directors can falter. With its ambitious scope and convoluted storytelling, the film highlights the risks associated with high expectations in cinema. While Stanton’s previous works have celebrated the intricacies of life and emotion, this latest offering falls short, leaving audiences yearning for the depth and clarity that defines true cinematic artistry.
