Predestination • The Next Reel

"We were born into this job."

Time travel stories come in all shapes and sizes – some are more focused on the fun and entertainment. Others use the conceit to allow for explorations of themes and ideas. Robert A. Heinlein’s short story “—All You Zombies—” is more the latter, and the Spierig brothers – Michael and Peter – do a great job adapting it for the silver screen with their film Predestination. And while it’s easy to get lost in time loops and find fault in rules and story construction, this film is an easy one to enjoy with the paradoxes presented because of the themes and concepts it develops. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we conclude our time travel series with the Spierig brothers’ 2014 film Predestination.

We talk about the nature of the film and why it works, even if the film does spend the first half of its running time setting things up. We look at the meaning of the word ‘predestination’ and what it means in context with this film and the ideas put forth. We chat about Ethan Hawke (busiest man in Hollywood) and how great he is here, and also about Sarah Snook, who really puts forth an incredibly challenging performance and nails every bit of it. We debate the strength of Noah Taylor’s character and if he’s really necessary for the story. And we discuss what the Spierig brothers bring to the table here and how well they work as writers, producers and directors, but also visual effects artists and composers.

There’s a lot to discuss in a film like this, and we have a fantastic time unpacking it. Check out the movie then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!

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• All You Zombies by Robert A Heinlein
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