The Present
The Present

The Present

2024Movie87 minEnglish

A brilliant boy discovers he can manipulate time using an enchanted family heirloom, then teaming up with his siblings to go back to the eve of their parents’ separation in hopes of changing the outcome. As their schemes become more elaborate, the siblings will learn about family bonds and what they can and can’t control.

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Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic62/100
Google Users70%
Director: Christian TafdrupGenres: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Plot Summary

In a dystopian future, a society has collapsed, and a young woman named Eva discovers she is pregnant. Her parents, who seem to have survived the societal breakdown, reveal a terrifying secret about the world and the true nature of her pregnancy. Eva must then make a choice that will determine the fate of humanity.

Critical Reception

The film has received mixed to positive reviews, with critics often praising its bleak atmosphere and thought-provoking themes, though some found the pacing uneven and the narrative occasionally convoluted. Audiences have been divided, with many appreciating its ambition and disturbing imagery, while others found it too grim or depressing.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unsettling atmosphere and ambitious dystopian vision.
  • Critiques often point to a slow-burn pace and a narrative that can be challenging to follow.
  • The film's exploration of societal collapse and parental responsibility is noted as a compelling, albeit grim, aspect.

Google audience: Google users generally found 'The Present' to be a thought-provoking and visually striking film, appreciating its mature themes and suspenseful build-up. However, a significant portion of viewers expressed that the film's unrelenting bleakness and ambiguous ending made it a difficult watch, with some feeling it lacked emotional resonance.

Fun Fact

The film's director, Christian Tafdrup, also directed the critically acclaimed horror film 'Speak No Evil', known for its similarly disturbing and socially critical themes.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

There's something quite engaging about Easton Rocket Sweda's "Taylor" character in this quite enjoyable and fast-moving family fantasy. He is a young man who loathes being touched and who communicates via an audio-board or by using an Etch-...
r96sk

r96sk

A cinema release without any prior reviews on a few major websites?! How about that! I gotta say, <em>'The Present'</em> surprised me big time! The lack of awareness that I had for it prior to watching (to be expected based on the earlie...