The idea of time travel is more than just a contemporary scientific theme; it is a hope that lingers at the very core of the human experience. Long before computers and quantum physics, people pondered the possibility of altering the past events of their lives. Director Jared Moshe is able to tap into this idea by intertwining the doom and gloom aspects of modern time travel concepts with a heartwarming family-driven narrative centered on love and community in his latest film, Aporia.
The story begins with Sophie (Judy Greer), reeling from the devastating loss of her husband, Mal (Edi Gathegi), to a drunk driver. Her world crumbles as she struggles to balance work, care for her troubled teenage daughter, and cope with the legal proceedings surrounding her husband's killer. A glimmer of hope appears when Mal's best friend, Jabir (Payman Maadi), presents a theoretical possibility of bringing him back through a makeshift time-altering machine he has created. Sophie must then grapple with moral quandaries about potentially changing the course of her life and the world around her in order to bring back her husband
The most captivating aspect of Aporia is its exploration of cause and effect. As individuals, we navigate life guided by a moral code, striving to make the best choices for ourselves and society, hoping our choices have the best outcomes. But how much more uncertainty arises if we have the power to change the past? Aporia delves into moral questions not only about life and death but also about quality of life and holding onto those we love. Watching Sophie and Jabir approach time travel from different moral and scientific perspectives invites introspection, prompting us to consider the choices we would make if faced with a similar situation.
For a time travel film to truly resonate, it must strike a balance between science, audience comprehension, and storytelling. Aporia excels in this aspect, providing enough scientific explanation to anchor the narrative without overwhelming the story. The machine itself, a rough and sketchy contraption, adds to the intrigue, as its theoretical power looms large, potentially capable of altering the fabric of reality.
In essence, Aporia is a touching family drama with a science fiction twist. The blend of science and moral quandaries should leave audiences with lingering questions to chew on long after the credits roll. It successfully taps into the very human desire to alter the past, hoping to change pivotal moments that could reshape our lives for the better. The film's success lies in its portrayal of how seemingly small actions can profoundly affect our existence, making Aporia a compelling and worthwhile watch this year.
