Things Will Be Different Review: A Sci-Fi Thriller That Pushes Boundaries

When it comes to science fiction and horror, finding a balance between thrilling entertainment and thought-provoking themes is no easy task. Yet, Michael Felker’s directorial debut, Things Will Be Different, manages to do just that. This film effortlessly merges complex family dynamics with the brain-twisting intrigue of time travel, creating a unique, engaging experience for viewers. Drawing inspiration from cult classics such as The Matrix, Looper, and Donnie Darko, Felker’s film goes beyond its influences, offering a distinct voice that establishes him as a director to watch.

A Simple Plot with Complex Consequences

At its core, Things Will Be Different revolves around the brother-sister duo, Joseph and Sidney, portrayed convincingly by Adam David Thompson and Riley Dandy. The two are on the run after committing a bank robbery. Desperate for a hiding spot, they stumble upon an isolated farmhouse in rural Indiana. What initially seems like the perfect escape soon turns into a living nightmare, as they discover an invisible force trapping them within the confines of the property. The pair are pushed to their mental and emotional limits as they try to decipher the mysterious force keeping them captive.

While the plot may sound simple, Felker masterfully layers it with suspense and tension, building a world where nothing is as it seems. The house itself becomes a character, full of secrets, time loops, and cryptic messages that turn what could have been a typical crime drama into a psychological thriller laced with science fiction elements. Much like the best episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation, particularly the iconic “Cause and Effect” episode, Things Will Be Different toys with time in a way that feels fresh, immersive, and terrifying.

Family Tensions Take Center Stage

One of the most compelling aspects of the film is its focus on the relationship between Joseph and Sidney. As the siblings are trapped together, their long-buried tensions surface. What begins as a partnership grounded in familial loyalty quickly unravels into suspicion and frustration. Are they both in this together, or does one of them have a hidden agenda? This ambiguity keeps the audience guessing throughout the film, adding an extra layer of psychological depth that elevates Things Will Be Different beyond its sci-fi trappings.

Sidney and Joseph’s relationship anchors the entire narrative. Their exchanges ranging from heartfelt to combative are what make the film resonate emotionally. Felker’s script subtly hints at their shared history without oversharing, allowing viewers to infer their backstory through their interactions. This approach keeps the storytelling tight while making the siblings feel like fully realized characters with real emotional stakes.

The Mysterious Farmhouse and the Puzzle of Time Travel

Time travel has always been a popular trope in science fiction, but it’s rarely handled with as much subtlety as in Things Will Be Different. Instead of overwhelming the audience with convoluted scientific explanations, Felker focuses on the human experience of being trapped in an endless loop. The farmhouse where the siblings hide becomes a prison, governed by rules that they don’t fully understand. Is it a time loop, a parallel universe, or something else entirely? Felker offers just enough clues to keep the audience engaged, without ever tipping his hand too early.

The central mystery revolves around a book Joseph receives before the robbery, filled with bizarre instructions. One key command involves entering a closet within the farmhouse, which unlocks the ability to time travel. At first, this seems like the perfect escape jump forward in time, wait for the heat to die down, and return to the present unscathed. But, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that there are consequences to tampering with time. The pair soon find that returning to their original timeline isn’t as simple as they thought. A shadowy figure appears, complicating their attempts to leave and adding even more tension to an already fraught situation.

Cinematic Excellence: A Feast for the Eyes

Visually, Things Will Be Different is stunning. Felker, alongside cinematographer Carissa Dorson, has crafted a film that is both eerie and beautiful. The rural setting, with its vast empty fields and desolate trees, adds to the sense of isolation and dread. Wide-angle shots emphasize the emptiness of the landscape, creating a stark contrast to the claustrophobic interior of the farmhouse. This interplay between the open outdoor space and the confined indoors builds an atmosphere of unease, making the audience feel trapped alongside the characters.

The farmhouse itself is almost like a character, with its fully furnished yet lifeless appearance. The attention to detail is remarkable, as every object in the house feels purposeful, contributing to the growing mystery. The cinematography avoids the typical horror pitfalls of overly dark scenes or garish lighting, instead using muted colours and natural lighting to heighten the tension without overwhelming the viewer.

Strong Performances Drive the Film

Without a doubt, the chemistry between Adam David Thompson and Riley Dandy is one of the film’s strongest points. Their performances are nuanced and raw, making the sibling dynamic feel authentic. Whether they’re working together to solve the mystery of the farmhouse or arguing over their next move, their interactions feel grounded in reality. This believability is essential, as much of the film relies on their conversations and actions to push the plot forward.

Both actors manage to convey the exhaustion and frustration of being stuck in an inescapable loop. Thompson’s portrayal of Joseph is particularly strong, as he shifts between protective older brother and desperate man on the edge of losing his sanity. Dandy, as Sidney, brings a sense of vulnerability mixed with fierce determination. Together, they make the audience care about their fate, even as the film’s plot becomes increasingly strange and surreal.

A Masterclass in Pacing and Tension

One of the film’s greatest strengths is its pacing. Things Will Be Different takes its time unravelling the mystery of the farmhouse, never rushing to provide easy answers. This slow-burn approach allows the tension to build gradually, pulling the audience deeper into the narrative with each passing minute. Felker expertly balances moments of quiet reflection with bursts of intense emotion, ensuring that the film never feels boring or drawn out.

Each scene serves a purpose, and no detail is wasted. Whether it’s a lingering shot of an object in the house or a seemingly insignificant piece of dialogue, everything feels carefully placed to enhance the story. By the time the film reaches its climax, the tension is palpable, and the resolution while satisfying leaves just enough ambiguity to keep the audience thinking long after the credits roll.

A Sci-Fi Film with Heart and Depth

What sets Things Will Be Different apart from other sci-fi thrillers is its emotional core. While the time-traveling plot is undoubtedly intriguing, it’s the exploration of family relationships that gives the film its weight. Felker has crafted a story that speaks not just to the complexities of time and space, but also to the complexities of human connection. The film’s exploration of sibling loyalty, betrayal, and redemption adds a layer of emotional depth that many sci-fi films lack.

Ultimately, Things Will Be Different is not just about escaping the confines of time but also about confronting the past and dealing with unresolved issues. The time travel element serves as a metaphor for the way we often revisit and replay moments in our minds, trying to make sense of our decisions and their consequences.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch Sci-Fi Thriller

In his debut feature, Michael Felker has delivered a film that is as smart as it is entertaining. Things Will Be Different is a thought-provoking thriller that blends science fiction with psychological horror, all while grounding the story in a deeply emotional sibling relationship. With its strong performances, stunning visuals, and expertly crafted suspense, this film is a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Felker’s ability to weave together a tight narrative, rich with mystery and character development, is a testament to his talent as a filmmaker. If Things Will Be Different is any indication of what’s to come, Felker is poised to become a major player in the world of sci-fi cinema.