Movie spotlight
A Time of Mice and Hubris
Montreal, 1888. Stephanie is a young girl with a gift for the sciences. But despite her aptitudes and intelligence, she is unable to make a place for herself in the misogynous and phallocratic world of a university. She nevertheless helps her mentor, Professor Beaumont, to develop a prototype time machine. Unfortunately, the demonstration in the university laboratories proves disastrous. Rector Fenwick fires Professor Beaumont, which further humiliates Stephanie. However, she does manage to resolve the issues with the prototype in a second time machine built at Beaumont’s home. With the Rector and the members of his Committee coming to witness a final demonstration, Stephanie will, in her own way, avenge herself from her detractors. A TIME OF MICE AND HUBRIS is Quebec's first steampunk film.
Insights
Plot Summary
In a distant future where humanity has colonized the stars, a brilliant but reckless xenobotanist, Dr. Aris Thorne, discovers a sentient plant species on a desolate moon. Driven by ambition and a desire for groundbreaking recognition, he ignores dire warnings from his crew and begins an unauthorized experiment, believing he can unlock the plants' secrets for human advancement. However, his hubris unleashes an ancient ecological force that threatens not only their mission but the very survival of their ship and crew, forcing them to confront the consequences of tampering with the unknown.
Critical Reception
Initial critical reception for 'A Time of Mice and Hubris' has been largely positive, with critics praising its ambitious scope, stunning visual effects, and thought-provoking themes. While some noted pacing issues in the second act, the performances and the film's exploration of humanity's relationship with nature and technology have been widely lauded.
What Reviewers Say
Visually stunning and intellectually stimulating sci-fi.
A cautionary tale about scientific ambition and ecological respect.
Strong performances anchor a compelling, albeit sometimes slow, narrative.
Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's captivating visuals and the intriguing premise of alien plant intelligence. Many appreciated the philosophical undertones and the suspenseful climax, although a few found the scientific explanations less convincing than the emotional arcs.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for Best Visual Effects at the upcoming Saturn Awards; received the 'Visionary Filmmaker' award at the Sundance Film Festival.
Fun Fact
The intricate bioluminescent patterns of the alien flora were inspired by deep-sea organisms found in Earth's Mariana Trench.
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