Have you heard of a new movie about a team of quantum physicists who build a revolutionary device that, once it’s set off, may change the course of the world forever?
In the case that you have, you’re probably not thinking of Aporia, a cleverly crafted sci-fi indie whose budget was only an infinitesimal fraction of the one used for Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, but whose emotional repercussions are just as palpable, if not more so at times. Aporia, written and directed by Jared Moshé, is a high-concept and extremely low-fi feature that follows a trio of Angelenos who utilize a homemade particle accelerator to kill people in the past, causing unpredictable fallout in the present. Subtly acted and deftly scripted, the film explores ethical questions that arise when people manipulate time and space to serve their own ends.
The story revolves around Sophie (Judy Greer), a recently widowed, struggling mother trying her best to raise her teenage daughter, Riley (Faithe Herman). Riley has been devastated by the loss of her dad, Malcolm (Edi Gathegi), in a hit-and-run accident. Their lives are filled with sorrow and regret, but what if they could change all of that? Enter Jabir (Payman Maadi), an Iranian scientist and friend of Sophie’s late husband. Jabir, who fled his homeland after his family was murdered by the regime, now makes a living as an Uber driver in LA while building a makeshift time machine in his living room.
As the characters grapple with the ethical implications of their actions, the film delves into the ripple and butterfly effects caused by altering the past. Saving some lives means ending others, and playing God is not for everyone. Throughout the film, Aporia minimizes the physics and focuses more on the emotional journey of the characters. Greer, Gathegi, and Maadi deliver strong performances as regular people facing spatial-temporal realities they fail to fully grasp until it may be too late.
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With its low-fi effects and scaled-down aesthetics, Aporia draws comparisons to Shane Carruth’s Sundance-winning debut Primer, another sci-fi indie where quantum physics changed the course of history for a small group of people. However, Aporia falls back on indie tropes, such as handheld camerawork and a nonstop score, that fail to give the movie the same edge and uniqueness as Carruth’s film.
Despite some drawbacks, Aporia succeeds in making its far-fetched scenario feel heartfelt for the three characters at its core. The film raises thought-provoking questions about morality and the consequences of tampering with the fabric of time. Who ultimately benefits from such time crimes? Is it the victims who are spared, or does it serve the personal agendas of those seeking revenge or redemption?
Aporia, released by Well Go USA, is likely to find a small cult following in theaters and a larger audience on streaming platforms. It may not have the big-budget spectacle of Oppenheimer, but its emotional depth and exploration of ethical dilemmas make it a thought-provoking and engaging sci-fi film.
In terms of the cast, Judy Greer delivers a strong performance as Sophie, conveying the character’s grief and determination to make things right. Edi Gathegi brings depth to the role of Malcolm, portraying a man haunted by his past actions. Payman Maadi shines as Jabir, capturing the complexity of a man seeking justice while grappling with the consequences of his actions.
Aporia was produced by Armian Pictures and distributed by Well Go USA. The film’s cinematography, handled by Nicholas Bupp, captures the intimate moments and emotional turmoil of the characters. The production design by Kati Simon and Ariel Vida adds to the low-fi aesthetics, creating a believable world for the characters to inhabit.
Overall, Aporia is a high-concept sci-fi indie that may not have the flashy effects or large-scale action of blockbuster films, but it makes up for it with its heartfelt story and exploration of ethical questions. It is a film that will leave audiences contemplating the consequences of our actions and the power of choice. So, if you’re looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally engaging sci-fi film, give Aporia a watch.
