Watch The Time We Killed

The Time We Killed is an independent experimental film released in 2004 that centers around protagonist Robin, a poet grappling with a range of psychological issues, primarily PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Directed by Jennifer Reeves, the feature-length film is told through a series of surreal and disjointed flashbacks and present-day moments that blur the line between reality and the imagination.

The film begins with Robin living within a small apartment in New York City, haunted by memories of an abuse-filled childhood and the aftermath of a traumatic incident that occurred on the subway. The cinematography, largely shot in black and white, is meant to evoke a dreamlike quality. The seemingly disconnected images add to the feeling of being inside of Robin's mind, a space that is not linear or easily navigable.

Throughout the film, Robin's struggles manifest in a variety of ways- she is shown engaging in self-harm, losing time, and experiencing vivid hallucinations. Her reality is further disrupted when she meets a woman named Sylvia, a fellow poet dealing with her own issues. As the two grow closer, Robin begins to see Sylvia as a manifestation of her own inner self. Her fragile grip on reality starts to slip further as she struggles to reconcile her identity and experiences with the world around her.

The Time We Killed is incredibly introspective, with Robin serving as the lone character largely present on screen. Her constant internal monologues and flashbacks make it clear that she is a person filled with contradictions and paradoxes. One of the strengths of the film is its exploration of mental illness and how it can overlap with a creative profession. Despite Robin's trauma and emotional instability, she is a prolific poet with a talent for evocative and moving writing.

The film's pacing is deliberately unhurried, providing space to explore tender and idiosyncratic moments between characters, often punctuated by striking music that contributes to the overall dreamy atmosphere. The film takes several risks with its editing and narration choices, in a way that is empowering and engaging given the lack of representation of complex female protagonists grappling with mental health on screen.

The Time We Killed is an unflinching exploration of the trajectories of mental health, creative process, and recovery. The bleakness of Robin's journey is never filtered or romanticized, giving the viewer a nuanced and unique window into a person's psyche. Jennifer Reeves offers a wonderfully experimental film that is intense and intimate, lingering with the viewer endlessly.