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Predestination poster

Predestination (2014)

2014 • 1h 38m • Thriller, Science Fiction • R
On September 22, 2026
#748305
748th by Pulse movie online
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CinemaSerf on Predestination

7/10 · Jan 27, 2025

The narrative kicks off with an enigmatic figure initiating what seems like a countdown sequence, leading to an unforeseen event and the individual’s subsequent vanishing act. The question becomes: what is happening? We are introduced to the "Barkeep" (Ethan Hawke), who functions as a specialized crime prevention operative. He utilizes temporal distortions to journey through time, attempting to pinpoint those responsible for terrible acts—sometimes persuading them to change course, other times simply preventing their schemes from succeeding. He has been engaged in this process for an extended period, but his latest assignment may present his greatest challenge. There is one criminal who consistently manages to evade him: the "Unmarried Mother" (Sarah Snook), whom he must ultimately capture. The film proceeds at a measured pace, yet it avoids exploiting its time-travel concept by overwhelming viewers with various scenarios and timelines, instead concentrating on a nuanced exploration of the dynamic between pursuer and pursued, featuring extensive dialogue. The confined setting of his bar—creating an atmosphere akin to "in vino veritas"—is also effective. Approximately halfway through, it becomes apparent that nothing is entirely straightforward. Characterizations become indistinct, events blur – and this isn't due to the alcohol. The plot intricately combines their timelines in a deliberately disorienting manner, making it difficult to immediately determine who is whom or what is occurring; this at least clarifies why this person has been so challenging for the "Barkeep" to apprehend across vast stretches of time. It possesses a stark, utilitarian aesthetic, and while the visuals are impactful, they don’t overshadow the characters. Both Hawke and an outstanding Snook deliver a story that I found myself invested in. If you require your films to adhere to a conventional structure with a clear beginning, middle, and end, this might not appeal to you; however, if you're willing to allow it to unfold naturally, it offers a rather captivating viewing experience.

Source on TMDB

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