Fix: Timey-Wimey Scifi Thriller
Platform: Netflix
Netflix Summary:
Trapped in a lab and stuck in a time loop, a disoriented couple fends off masked raiders while harboring a new energy source that could save humanity.
FYA Summary:
Genius engineer Robbie Amell and Jessica Jones’ Trish Walker experience a sinister Groundhog Day in a near-future dystopian wasteland.
Familiar Faces:
Robbie Amell as Renton
Renton’s not the most nuanced of roles, but if we have to watch someone experience a time loop, I’d prefer to look at Robbie than Bill Murray. From a purely superficial standpoint, mind you; Phil is much more amusing to watch loop after loop after loop. (Unfortch, Robbie never takes his shirt off in this role.)
Rachael Taylor as Hannah
I knew I’d seen Rachael in other shows/movies, but it wasn’t until I looked at her IMDB page that I realized she plays Trish Walker in Jessica Jones. Looks like all of the stunt training she did played doubled duty.
Couch-Sharing Capability: Scifi Club
Due to the nature of its plot, ARQ is not a movie that will appeal to the masses. It has very little world building—although what little there is intriguing, and I wish we learned more—and deals with science fiction elements that some people might find overly complicated or totally implausible. I don’t think this movie can’t be watched in a group setting, but I’d be wary of inviting anyone who doesn’t like movies that air on SyFy or have PhDs in physics.
Basically, what I’m saying is, find a middle ground between your picky friends and your too-smart friends and you’re golden.
Recommended Level of Inebriation: Low
ARQ plays fast and loose with time, and therefore is a little hard to follow even stone-cold sober. I think introducing alcohol into the mix might have less than pleasant consequences, and I don’t want anyone to experience a hangover when they’ve only begun drinking.
Use of Your Netflix Subscription: Hidden Treasure
ARQ is one of those sleeper films that would never have done well in theaters, but might find something nearing cult status on Netflix. The movie, although it’s not complex, is interesting and entertaining, and while it doesn’t exactly breath new life into the time loop genre, it’s gritty and gory and appeals to the side of me that loves darker storylines. It leaves a little to be desired, plot-wise, but is a fun ride if you’re willing to just go with it.
