In Timealso known as “Now,” “I’m.Mortal,” “Lopott idő”

Time is an invisible currency in all of our lives. While the characters in Andrew Niccol’s latest thriller have a literal neon countdown on their forearms, the clocks in our own lives tick away with each day that passes. When people drink too much or even sit through a movie, they are giving away hours from their lives.

In this alternate reality, humans are genetically altered to stop aging at 25. Afterwards, the digital clock on one’s arms begins to tick. In order to live, time must be purchased. However, there’s a conflict: time is money. The poor live in the ghettos and can only purchase small increments of time. Literally living day to day, they run to all their destinations and work through their lunches. In startling contrast, the rich live in slow relaxation, living sheltered existences. Though their wealth has allowed them to be essentially immortal, foolishness can still cause their death.

Justin Timberlake stars as Will Salas, a hard worker who lives in the ghetto with his mother (Olivia Wilde). After a man gives Will over a hundred years, Will soon finds himself on the run. While living the high life in a richer area, he sets his eyes on Sylvia Weiss, the daughter of one of the richest men who owns numerous time banks. When the cops catch up with Will, he takes Sylvia on the run with him.

The movie has a very original plot; I also enjoyed how they used different “time” phrases, e.g. Timekeepers, timeshares, time zones. However, I wish it had gone deeper. Several questions arise, but are never fully answered. What happens to Will’s father? How was the time system set up? “In Time” does deliver some good lines about the importance of life, but then renders itself to a few chases and a rushed romance. Though I will say that I give Amanda Seyfried an enormous amount of credit for being able to act out action scenes, all while running in high heels.

Objectionable content

Throughout the film, several women wear very low-cut attire. During a bar scene, two women flirt with a wealthy man. One of the women asks him to take her home; while the other suggests to him that “you can take us both”. Will and Sylvia share numerous kisses. During one scene, they skinny dip in the ocean. During the scene, one can faintly see Sylvia’s derriere underneath the water. Later on, she and Will play strip poker. She takes off her shirt, wearing only her bra and panties. Will gets on top of her, but they are soon interrupted before things can go any further.

There is quite a bit of violence, but it’s mostly bloodless. Several are shown dying from a brutal heart attack when their time runs out. There are some fistfights and shootings. Two men are shot underneath their chins, while another is shot from behind.

One man commits suicide by deliberately draining his time. After his cardiac arrest, he falls from a bridge. In all, there are about 13 uses of profanity, including one ‘f’ word and one GD.

Throughout the entire film, it is stated multiple times how people wish to be immortal, but not everyone can be. There is a clear distinction between the rich and the poor. The rich have several years in their time banks, while the poor struggle to make it through each day. In 1 Timothy 6:16, Paul wrote that God “alone is immortal”. However, we can achieve our own immortality through the cleansing sacrifice of Jesus. In his second letter to Timothy, Paul again mentioned immortality. In 1:10, he wrote:

“but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”

This film has a very intriguing premise. In reality, we do purchase everything with our time. Time’s limited and precious. It’s all too easy to zone out and waste minutes, if not hours on things that are completely worthless. Though the film could have been a lot more, it does provide some food for thought. I don’t personally recommend the film and suggest that potential viewers wait for the DVD release.

Violence: Heavy / Profanity: Moderate / Sex/Nudity: Mild

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