Héctor (Karra Elejalde) is having a terrible day. After grocery shopping, he returns to his beautiful home in the countryside, only to discover that his car boot wasn’t closed correctly. As a result, he has lost a significant portion of his groceries. Upon arriving home, he is greeted by his partner, Clara (Candela Fernández). Their home is amid renovations, and all is chaotic. After some small talk in the backyard, they agree that Clara will pick something up for dinner, allowing Héctor to enjoy some quiet time. Sitting in the backyard with his binoculars, Héctor observes the forest behind their large home. But during his exploration, he notices something strange and unexplainable.
To investigate further, Héctor decides to go for a walk. However, he soon discovers that a terrible crime has been committed, and he is being chased by a mysterious person wearing a pink bandage and armed with scissors. Naturally, Héctor runs for his life, desperately seeking safety. In the chaos, he is stabbed in the arm but continues to flee. Eventually, Héctor comes across a building and, in desperation, breaks in. While inside, he encounters a scientist (Nacho Vigalondo) who somehow already knows about the man with the pink bandage. The scientist offers to help Héctor by placing him inside a large machine. Given the dire circumstances, Héctor agrees.
When the machine reopens, Héctor makes an astonishing discovery: he has travelled back in time by approximately one hour. This newfound ability to go back in time allows him to investigate further and uncover the truth behind the bizarre and inexplicable events around him. Can Héctor find the answers he seeks amidst the chaos?
Timecrimes embraces multiple genres, including horror, thriller, and science fiction. The film was written and directed by Nacho Vigalondo, who is also known for his other works, such as Colossal (2016), Open Windows (2016), and Pooka! (2018). This film is exceptionally clever in every aspect. The plot is well-written and expertly crafted, and introduces many innovative concepts through the combination of horror and time travel. While viewers may anticipate certain aspects once they grasp the film’s intentions, the finale and significant reveals in the third act are highly unpredictable and immensely gratifying, making it feel like a thrilling joyride for the audience.
I loved the film’s setting, which centres around the woods and several large homes. As Hector goes on the run, viewers will experience a sense of caution and fear as he tries to outsmart a mysterious killer hunting him down. Although Hector’s character is somewhat vague initially, you can’t help but root for him and his wife as they fight for survival. While a few side performances are less compelling, the central performances are engaging throughout the entire runtime. The killer’s costume and appearance are simple yet highly effective, contributing to a terrifying presence.
Overall, I had an absolute blast with Timecrimes. The film is intelligent, clever, and creative, and I appreciated how it handled even the most minor details exceptionally well. It is also a thriller with surprises and is substantially unpredictable. The plot is structured so that viewers can grasp what’s happening and anticipate certain developments, especially concerning the finale. The performances are strong, and the entire cast is compelling. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys thrillers, especially Triangle from 2009.
Timecrimes (2007) is Out Now on Blu-ray, thanks to Umbrella Entertainment!
FILM SCORE: 8.5/10
Published: 13th December 2024
Written by: Peter Walkden
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