There was a time when an original sci-fi film could come along and do fantastic business at the box office, despite earning poor reviews. And that time wasn’t too long ago. In 2011, the movie In Time emerged as a major hit, even though it wasn’t received particularly well. It was also the rare studio sci-fi movie that wasn’t based on pre-existing IP, and attracted top-of-the-line talent both in front of and behind the camera. For instance, In Time was shot by the great Roger Deakins — it was, in fact, the first movie to be shot entirely on digital by the veteran cinematographer. In Time has slipped through the cracks of time, which is ironic, considering its premise. Set in a dystopian future where time is the primary form of currency, the film addresses ideas of inequality and mortality. It’s waiting to be discovered on the Peacock streaming service, where it’ll debut on January 1.
Produced on a reported budget of $40 million, In Time grossed over $175 million at the global box office, making it a bona fide hit. The movie was written and directed by Andrew Niccol, who remains best known for the sci-fi films Gattaca and Simone. Niccol also tried to jump on the YA bandwagon following the success of Twilight, when he directed the movie The Host in 2013. Incidentally, the star of In Time, Amanda Seyfried, headlined her own Twilight clone during that same era: Red Riding Hood. In Time also features Justin Timberlake, who was coming off of The Social Network, alongside Cillian Murphy, Matt Bomer, and others.
‘In Time’ Was Described as Too On-the-Nose
The movie earned mixed-to-negative reviews and is now sitting at a 36% score on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, where the critics’ consensus reads, “In Time‘s intriguing premise and appealing cast are easily overpowered by the blunt, heavy-handed storytelling.” The late Roger Ebert appreciated parts of the movie in his review, singling out Timberlake’s performance and writing, “The movie I suppose is an allegory in which time is money in a brutally direct way. For some of these people, time burns a hole in their pockets. For me, the most suspenseful scene involves a high-stakes poker game. Think about it. An opponent bets his whole pot: his life. Do you see him, or do you fold? If you lose, you’re not broke, you’re dead.”
You can watch In Time on Peacock beginning January 1, and stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
Release Date
October 28, 2011
Runtime
109 minutes
Director
Andrew Niccol
Writers
Andrew Niccol
Producers
Eric Newman, Marc Abraham
