Synchronicity (2016)
Starring Chad Mcknight, AJ Bowen, Brianne Davis, Scott Poythress, Michael Ironside
Directed by Jacob Gentry
This futuristic romance is the sophomore directorial effort of Jacob Gentry, who brought us a segment of the anthology The Signal in 2007, and introduced the indie horror world the acting talents of AJ Bowen. Bowen is back, and so is alum Scott Poythress, both of whom play lab assistants in Synchronicity. The story follows Jim Beale, a physicist (Chad McKnight) who travels back and forth in time to prevent a seductive woman (Brianne Davis) and a ruthless tycoon (Michael Ironside) from stealing his invention.
Set in a dystopian future that’s overrun with venetian blinds, dust motes, and random helicopters circling the city skies, Synchronicity kicks off pretty quickly with Jim’s first foray into the wormhole. There’s a moment of confusion and fright for Jim, but his nerves are eased by a beautiful blonde stranger who invites him up to her place to look at her “flower.” One thing leads to another, and Jim falls head over heels in love with Abby. (And he likes her dahlia, too.) Actually, he’s seen her blossom before… he grew it in his lab in the past, and sent it to the future. Or is it the other way around? And how’d Abby get a hold of it? Before he can ask her, Jim gets an urgent phone call from Chuck (Bowen) warning him to “Stay away from that girl,” without further elaboration.
Those expecting another sci-fi horror film like The Signal might be a tad let down. Synchronicity is more static and cerebral. A Blade Runner wannabe on a low budget – there’s even a very moody/Moogy Vangelis-inspired music score – the movie is lovely and atmospheric, all things considered.
The cast is great, with the exception of the one we are supposed to care about the most: McKnight. It’s not McKnight’s fault. His acting is on point, but he and Davis have no chemistry (the sexual and romantic connection is supposed to sizzle – why else would he fall so hard, so fast? No other explanation is explored), and his character is written flat, sticking to just the facts.
If you enjoy retro-futuristic time travel flicks, then you might enjoy Synchronicity. It’s not a bad movie by any means. But it takes way too long to get going… if you can get past the first 45 minutes without nodding off, some clever and amusing twists and turns await you.
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Film
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