Things Will Be Different

It was supposed to be the ultimate “time-out.” The cops will never find these sibling outlaws’ time-slip hideout, but someone or something else has access to their sanctuary in director-screenwriter Michael Felker’s Things Will Be Different, which releases this Friday in theaters and on VOD.

Joseph and Sidney share some stormy family history, but they still sufficiently trust each other to pull off an armed heist. Their getaway could have been cleaner, but Joseph charted an unusual escape route. Apparently, this quiet farmhouse has the power to travel to some distant point in time, where they can simply wait out the cops. For each day spent in this mysterious other time, an equal day passes in the time-period the siblings left. They figure two weeks should be sufficient for the heat to blow over, but Sidney will still be home before her daughter misses her so badly.

However, just as brother and sister are about to triumphantly stride through that strange door, they find it mysteriously boarded up, with instructions to meet at the farm’s old mill. By using an old Dictaphone as a means of interdimensional, or intertime communication, the siblings learn the strange forces governing the farm are aware of their intrusion and they are not happy about it. However, all will be forgiven if they stay to capture and kill the violent “time bandits” using the portals for their own sinister ends. Of course, they agree, because what choice do they have, but the waiting takes a considerable toll, mentally and emotionally.

As weird as that sounds, Felker builds the premise and the rules of the world quite convincingly. This is gritty, grounded, lo-fi science fiction in the best sense. Frankly, viewers never get a full picture of the system that entraps the brother and sister, but the partial snapshot is pretty trippy. Technically, Things Will Be Different involves time-travel, but it really is very much its own thing. It is worth noting Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, the team behind films like Spring, The Endless, and Synchronic served as executive producers and played supporting roles. Felker’s film should definitely appeal to their fans, both thematically and stylistically.

Adam David Thompson and Riley Dandy are also very good as Joseph and Sidney. They are totally believable as siblings with baggage, while also convincingly expressing their inner demons. Honestly, they have to be good, because Felker never provides anything for them to hide behind, least of all special effects.

It is always refreshing to see new science fiction entirely driven by ideas (which can certainly include a couple of good gimmicks). There is no hollow spectacle, but the implications of Felker’s revelations are truly cosmic. Very highly recommended for fans of non-franchise sf, Things Will Be Different opens this Friday (10/4) at Cinelounge Sunset and releases on VOD.