In the Blink of an Eye
The brief
Andrew Stanton trades Pixar's warmth for ambitious but scattered storytelling that jumps between timelines without ever finding its emotional center. Kate McKinnon delivers surprisingly grounded dramatic work, but the film's grand cosmic themes feel more like a philosophy lecture than lived experience. The pacing drags as Stanton struggles to weave his three stories into something cohesive, leaving you checking your watch during what should be profound moments. Perfect for Cloud Atlas fans who don't mind when high-concept ambition outpaces execution.
The verdict
If you're drawn to cerebral sci-fi that prioritizes big ideas over emotional payoff and don't mind when ambition exceeds execution, this is worth your time for McKinnon's dramatic turn and Stanton's swing for the fences. If you prefer coherent storytelling and engaging pacing over philosophical puzzles, you'll find this a frustrating slog that never justifies its timeline-hopping structure.
Watch with
- 👥 Philosophy buffs who enjoy ambitious narratives
- ⚠️ Viewers seeking tight storytelling may be frustrated
Heads up
- Slow pacing may test patience (moderate)
- Complex timeline structure could confuse (moderate)
Credits
- Director
- Andrew Stanton
- Cast
- Kate McKinnon, Rashida Jones, Daveed Diggs, Jorge Vargas, Tanaya Beatty, Skywalker Hughes, Rhona Rees
Official synopsis
Three storylines, spanning thousands of years, intersect and reflect on hope, connection, and the circle of
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with The Story of Everything (2026)
Both weave multiple timelines exploring humanity's eternal search for meaning.
Total runtime: 1h 34m + 1h 37m = 3h 11m
