Andrew Niccol's In Time, a high-concept sci-fi thriller starring Justin Timberlake, is now available for home viewing, arriving on Blu-ray and DVD on January 31, 2012, courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. The DVD is priced at $29.98 SRP, while the Blu-ray edition is available for $39.99 SRP. Both versions come with bonus features including the featurette The Minutes, deleted scenes, and exclusive access to the interactive app In Time: The Game.
- MPAA Rating: PG-13
- Genre: Sci-Fi
- Film Length: 109 minutes
- Target Audience: Adults
A Dystopian World Where Time is the Ultimate Currency
Set in a dystopian future where time literally equals money, In Time presents a chilling view of a society where the rich live forever while the poor struggle to survive. In this world, everyone is genetically engineered to stop aging at 25, but once they hit that age, they are given just one year to live unless they can earn more time. Time is transferred via a wristwatch that counts down to the day of their death—unless they can earn, steal, or inherit more.
The story follows Will Salas (played by Justin Timberlake), a young man living in the impoverished "time zones" who suddenly finds himself in possession of a large amount of time after a stranger rewards him with it. This unexpected gift sets off a chain of events, as Will is framed for murder and pursued by "Timekeepers," a group tasked with maintaining the balance of this brutal system. On the run, Will partners with Sylvia (Amanda Seyfried), the daughter of a wealthy tycoon, and together they attempt to challenge the system and bring down the corrupt societal structure.
A Bold Commentary on Class Divide and the Value of Time
The central theme of In Time—that time is the most valuable currency—serves as a sharp commentary on the divide between the wealthy and the poor. The film explores the idea that in such a system, the rich can perpetually thrive while the underprivileged are forced to live in constant fear of death. It's a timely metaphor for the societal disparities present in our own world.
Drawing inspiration from legends like Robin Hood, the film raises interesting philosophical questions about wealth redistribution. What happens when the oppressed suddenly gain access to power and resources? Will the societal infrastructure collapse if the workers are no longer needed to maintain it? These are the kinds of thought-provoking questions the film leaves the viewer to contemplate.
A Sci-Fi Experience with Heart and Depth
While In Time may not have the flashy special effects or action sequences commonly found in big-budget blockbusters, its original concept and the serious ideas it grapples with set it apart from other films in the genre. This is a sci-fi film that relies more on its intellectual weight and the execution of its premise than on visual spectacle. Fans of thoughtful science fiction, especially those who appreciate classic works like The Twilight Zone or the sci-fi films of the 1970s, will find much to admire in In Time.
The film doesn’t try to win over viewers with gimmicks. Instead, it engages you with its well-crafted world and the moral dilemmas its characters face. While the execution could have been sharper in places, especially in the pacing and development of some secondary characters, the overall experience is compelling and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
In Time is an intriguing and unique take on the sci-fi genre that makes you think long after the credits roll. Its exploration of inequality and the human condition within a futuristic framework is its strength. While it might not be perfect, it offers a refreshing change of pace from the typical action-heavy films of its time. Sci-fi enthusiasts looking for a movie that combines social commentary with an engaging narrative will find much to enjoy here.
So if you're looking for a movie that challenges both your mind and your perceptions of society, In Time is worth adding to your collection. It's a film that makes you reflect on the true value of time—and whether or not it can truly be bought.
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