Directed by Michael and Peter Spierig.

Based on Robert A. Heinlein’s short story “—All You Zombies—” – Note that this is not actually a zombie film……

Release date August 28th 2014

WHATEVER YOU DO – DO NOT READ THE WIKI ENTRY ON THE SHORT STORY UNTIL AFTER YOU SEE THE FILM!

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.

Like most time travel stories, they can be difficult to follow.This film is 100% meant to be watched multiple times to grasp the entire thread of what the hell is happening.

Predestination twists and turns wonderfully and it’s really in the last moment that you go – Hang on!

It starts very slowly, a deliberately laboured set-up that forms a foundation for our understanding of the two main characters back-stories, which continue to be revealed as the film unfolds.

I was utterly engrossed by the production design that although clearly on a budget, spared no expense is establishing several different eras.

The performances are compelling particularly from Hawke (who I have grown to enjoy so much in pretty much all his films) and Sarah Snook, who steals the film from under Ethan’s nose.

It’s tightly written and directed and is a solid, well made sci-fi time travel thriller.

It’s a crowded genre in 2014 with everything from X-Men to Edge of Tomorrow to Peabody and Sherman using time travel as a plot device, but there’s something about this one that seems clever. It’s not just a plot device within a broader storyline. It;s the reason for the film and so the deatils of how it works are clearly established and appear logical.

Of course every time a time traveling character interacts with someone in the story arc, it has ramifications that expand with every trip.

This film IS a trip and it’s worth a trip to go check it out on the big screen. There is isn’t a huge SFX budget, but what it achieved is really well done.

A highly original take on the genre, lovingly crafted by the Spierig Brothers.

3 & 1/2 Stars.