Watch Prior

Prior is a thought-provoking indie sci-fi film that explores the themes of time travel and parallel universes. The movie follows the journey of David Prior, played by Dallas Valdez, a brilliant physicist who discovers a way to travel through time. His idea is based on the premise that we all exist simultaneously on different timelines, and by manipulating the fabric of time, he can access these different realities.

David's breakthrough comes at a price, however. His experimentation causes a catastrophic event that tears apart his family and leaves him struggling with the consequences of his actions. As he tries to reconcile with his estranged wife and daughter, he grapples with the ethical implications of his discovery and the unintended consequences of his meddling with time.

The film takes a unique approach to the time travel genre, eschewing flashy special effects and action sequences in favor of a slow, contemplative pace. The focus is on the characters and their emotional journeys as they confront the ramifications of tampering with the laws of physics. The storytelling is impressively ambitious, weaving multiple timelines and alternate realities into the narrative without ever becoming confusing or convoluted.

In addition to Valdez's impressive lead performance, the movie also features strong supporting turns from Curt Lambert as David's pragmatic colleague, as well as Anne-Marie Johnson as his wife, and Carly Tamborski as his daughter. The cast maintains a level of authenticity that is rarely seen in sci-fi, grounding the story in real emotions that resonate with the audience.

The film's visual style is also noteworthy, with director David Gidali utilizing a muted, naturalistic color palette to convey the sense of a world that is slightly askew. The cinematography is often breathtaking, capturing the beauty of everyday moments amidst the chaos of time travel.

While Prior is a sci-fi movie at its core, it also touches on larger existential themes such as the nature of regret and the duality of human nature. The film's exploration of the multiverse theory is fascinating, and while it does involve some scientific jargon, it's presented in a way that is accessible to lay audiences.

Overall, Prior is a thought-provoking indie sci-fi film that balances intricate storytelling with emotional resonance. The film offers a fresh take on time travel that is sure to delight fans of the genre, but even those who aren't typically drawn to sci-fi will find something to appreciate here. With strong performances, stunning visuals, and a philosophically engaging script, Prior is a must-see for indie movie lovers everywhere.

Prior is a 2022 comedy with a runtime of 50 minutes.