ARQ (2016)

Waste of time

the audience applauded

a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

"ARQ" seems to have been inspired by several big budget Hollywood time loop movies in recent years, such as "Edge of Tomorrow", "Retroactive" and even "Groundhog Day". However, given that this particular go-around was made by Canadians, the budget is much, much lower, and 99% of the movie takes place in a few particular rooms of a house. Despite the extreme budget limitations, the movie still manages to work, thanks to an intelligent and clever script. I admit that the first part of the movie is quite confusing (and it almost got me to turn off the movie), but eventually any questions that we have do get answered... for the most part. Like most time loop movies, there are some details that are vague or head-scratching. But all the same, you get the general idea of what's going on, and who wants what. And the movie is directed in a compelling manner that keeps you interested even when certain details repeat themselves. The movie manages to breath new life into the time loop genre, and is one of the best Netflix exclusive movies made to date.

All I'd say is watch the film. It's ... different.Only 7 real people in the entire film (reminds me a bit of "The Thing" in that sense) but with each scene slowly peeling layers off each of the characters, showing slightly different perspectives, and so on.Wonderful soundtrack. Especially during the last few scenes. Can't quite place the melody, sure I've heard it somewhere else.I didn't really like Rachael Taylor's performance, until quite near the end. There's a simple line "No No No No No No No" (so I don't think that's a spoiler), where the human side really shows through; a view of someone who has seen awful things, but then has been exposed to unimaginable horror. A million times worse, as it were. By that point in the film everything is totally messed up, but that moment of realisation is worth watching the entire film for.Oh, that and the last 2 seconds of the movie. Very clever, leaves the playground open for the mind to wander. What the hell happened next ?

Well done low budget sci-fi film with good acting and clever plot. A different take on the "groundhog day" concept. The ending is a little weak, but a lot of these films that rely on building a sense of mystery and raising a lot of questions have a hard time coming up with something that ties everything together and provides a satisfying solution. Still worth seeing.

Of all the the time travel movies I've watched this is by far the best and worst at the same time. Best because I like they plot the story of how Renton did something for his long lost love. But its also the worst because of lacking of the back story. All of the reviews I've read is about how the movie lacked of supporting details. Maybe they should minimized the scenes of just looping and looping through time and at least tell a good narration of how things were.