Synchronic 2020

Time is an illusion.

6.338 / 10   860 vote(s)
R
Science Fiction Drama Thriller Horror

Two New Orleans paramedics' lives are ripped apart after encountering a series of horrific deaths linked to a designer drug with bizarre, otherworldly effects.

Homepage https://www.wellgousa.com/films/synchronic
Release Date 2020-10-23
Runtime 1h 41m
Directors Aaron Moorhead, Justin Benson, Aaron Moorhead, Ryan Orenstein, Jessica Dean Rose, Mark Bennett
Producers Natalie Perrotta, Nate Bolotin, Justin Benson, Nick Spicer, Aram Tertzakian, Michael Mendelsohn, Aaron Moorhead, Antoine Cosset, Patrick M. Allen, David Lawson Jr.
Writer Justin Benson

Synchronic is the most conventional, "mainstream" movie Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson have made to-date and unfortunately that's a bit of a step back.

They're previous outings, especially their slow burn low-budget Resolution and the fantastic The Endless, are mind benders that slowly unwind the respective film's underlying mystery. The astute viewer can figure out what's happening in this film's surreal prologue.

And just in case you still can't figure it out, there's a bit too much exposition later on to hammer it home.

Anthony Mackie is excellent. It's hard to not subconsciously see Marvel's Falcon, but overall he is an effective dramatic lead. The chemistry with fellow EMT Jamie Dorn is believable and authentic and adds poignancy to the films more dramatic moments.

They visit some well crafted scenes where they are called in as EMT's, and their weary "been here, done that " banter is effective.

While the last act is WAY too formulaic, overall it's an entertaining flick, and if I hadn't seen their previous outings, I probably would have enjoyed it more.

P.S. Anybody catch the Andrew Garland Annihilation synths in both the beginning and end?

Repo Jack

With every film they make, Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson refine their genre-bending, unapologetically cerebral style, and 'Synchronic' is no exception. While it does feel like a smaller step forward in terms of ambition, it isn't a waste of time. Even if they only pull at an interesting thread and don't fully unravel it, it's still more unique than most other genre movies you'll see. - Jake Watt

Read Jake's full article... https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-synchronic-a-time-tripping-sci-fi-drama

SWITCH.