Rent The Map of Tiny Perfect Things on Amazon Video (paid link)
Written by: Lev Grossman (based on the short story by, screenplay by)
Directed by: Ian Samuels
Starring: Kathryn Newton, Kyle Allen, Jermaine Harris, Jorja Fox
Rated: PG-13
Watch the trailer
Plot
Two teens live the same day repeatedly, enabling them to create the titular map of perfect things.
Verdict
This takes the time loop genre and builds on it, creating something that doesn't feel tired. It's an endearing movie that's isn't completely unpredictable, but does such a great job with the story it's telling. This is a movie that will get neglected because it's part teen romance and part time travel, genres that are often done poorly. This movie knows the genre and does something really special and smart with it.
Watch it.
Review
The time loop has been done many times. There's the most prominent example Groundhog Day, the space war version Edge of Tomorrow, and the comedic attempt Naked. The X-Files and Star Trek: The Next Generation even did episodes. Happy Death day did a horror version, and Palm Springs came out within the last year. This isn't a new concept, so how will this movie put a new spin on it?
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| Kyle Allen and Kathryn Newton play Mark and Margaret. |
Knowing the concept of this movie it's clear in the first few moments that Mark (Kyle Allen) is in a loop. I like that the movie eschews a drawn out introduction and gets right into the plot. There are direct references to Groundhog Day.
Mark meets Margaret, a girl that appears to be aware of the loop, but is reluctant to talk to him. At first it's unclear whether she's reluctant because he's a strange guy she just met or whether she knows something more. Mark seems to have mapped out more ways he can help people on this day than Margaret, but is that because she's been in the loop a shorter time or doesn't care?
They begin to map the perfect moments of the day where the randomness of the day creates a special moment. That might be a female skater showing up a bunch of guys or an eagle catching a fish. It's a nice conceit, though I have to imagine they've attempted many selfish acts in the loop. This movie doesn't strive to push the limits or go dark like Groundhog Day.
We don't know everything about Margaret, but it's easy to guess what's going on. Despite that, this is a really charming movie. It's a teen romance with a sci-fi twist and a few surprises. I appreciate that the movie knows the genre, though it doesn't reach deep for references.
Can you bring something new to the time loop genre? Yes. This movie does some really neat things with the story and plot. While it's not entirely unpredictable, that doesn't mitigate a movie that asks the viewer to consider the amazing tiny things that happen every day.
This has to be inspired by Groundhog Day, and there's nothing wrong with that. I really like what this does with the main characters at the end and the simple reason as to why they're in a time loop. I thought the movie missed a perfect moment to end, but the writer did us one better with the actual ending. The writing is notable, and it's a shame it will get neglected because this isn't some kind of prestige movie.
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