Predestination (2014)

Predestination
⭐ 7.4/10 IMDb
Genre: Action Drama Sci-Fi
Country: USA
Duration: 1h 37m | Year: 2014

Now, on the eve of his final assignment, the Agent faces his greatest challenge yet. A criminal — elusive, brilliant, and ruthless — has managed to slip through the Agent's grasp at every turn. Known only as "The Fizzle," this criminal is responsible for a series of unsolved murders throughout history, each one more brutal and sophisticated than the last. The Agent's task is clear: stop The Fizzle once and for all, before a catastrophic attack occurs in the near future that will result in the deaths of thousands.

Time TravelPlot twistMissionTime loopTerroristSecret organizationBack in timeDestinyGenderMysterious characterTwists and turnsChanging the past or futureTime machineLaw enforcementLonerTerrorismExistentialismTime paradoxIntersexParallel universeTransgenderSent to the pastTrippySecret government organizationGenetics

Official Trailer • Courtesy of YouTube

Movie Team / Crew Detail

Predestination - Movie Crew Info

  • Director: Michael Spierig, Peter Spierig
  • Writers: Michael Spierig, Peter Spierig (screenplay), Robert A. Heinlein (short story)
  • Producers: Michael Spierig, Peter Spierig, Tim White
  • Cinematographer: Ben Nott
  • Editor: Matt Villa
  • Music Composer: Peter Spierig, Michael Spierig
  • Production Designer: Christopher Kennedy
  • Costume Designer: Joanna Howe
  • Sound Designer: Brooke Green
  • Visual Effects Supervisor: Ben Smith

Movie Summary

The movie Predestination follows a mysterious and complex story about time travel, identity, and fate. It centers around a skilled temporal agent whose job is to prevent terrible crimes before they happen by traveling through time. The agent is on a critical mission to stop a dangerous terrorist known as the "Fizzle Bomber," whose attacks have caused widespread destruction and loss of life.

During one of his missions, the agent encounters a young, troubled man named John. John’s life has been full of confusion and hardship—born as a girl named Jane but raised as a boy after undergoing a life-changing medical procedure. John shares his incredible life story with the agent, revealing the intense struggles he has faced with his identity and past. This meeting sets off a series of events that become both deeply personal and mind-bending.

As the agent mentors John, they develop a close bond, and the story dives into themes of self-discovery and fate. The agent offers John a chance to change his future by joining the time-travel agency. John agrees, hoping to find answers about his own life and to make a difference. The deeper they get into their missions, the more tangled the timeline becomes, leading to shocking twists and turns.

The film explores the concept of a “predestination paradox,” where actions taken in time travel cause events that have already happened, creating a loop with no clear beginning or end. This idea challenges the characters’ understanding of free will versus destiny. The agent and John both find themselves caught in this paradox, where their identities and choices become confusingly intertwined.

Throughout Predestination, the narrative shifts between different time periods and perspectives, which adds to the mystery and suspense. The story asks profound questions about who we are and whether we can change our fate or if everything is already predetermined. The characters’ journeys highlight the emotional weight of these questions, making the movie not just a thrilling sci-fi adventure but also a thoughtful reflection on life and identity.

The climax of the film brings all the pieces together in a surprising and emotional way. The relationships between the characters are revealed in full, showing how their lives are connected in unexpected ways across time. The resolution ties back to the idea that sometimes, understanding ourselves means accepting the parts of our story that seem impossible or strange.

Predestination stands out for its clever storytelling, strong performances, and a plot that keeps viewers guessing until the very end. It invites audiences to think about the nature of time, choice, and the paths our lives take, all while delivering an engaging and unforgettable cinematic experience.

What This Movie Teaches Us

"Predestination" teaches us about the intricate nature of identity and destiny. It explores how our choices and experiences shape who we are, challenging the idea of a fixed self. The film evokes deep emotions by portraying loneliness, love, and sacrifice intertwined with time’s paradoxes. Ultimately, it reveals that understanding ourselves often requires confronting uncomfortable truths. It reminds audiences that life’s path, though seemingly predetermined, is profoundly influenced by the journeys we courageously undertake.

Awards & Nominations

Awards

  • Australian Film Institute (AFI) Awards 2014
    Best Adapted Screenplay – Michael Spierig, Peter Spierig

  • Fantasporto International Film Festival 2015
    Best Science Fiction Film – Predestination

  • Austin Fantastic Fest 2014
    Audience Award – Michael Spierig, Peter Spierig

  • Sitges Film Festival 2014
    Best Special Effects – Andrew Mason

Iconic Scenes

  1. The bartender’s tense rooftop chase, where time loops blur reality, showcases a mind-bending pursuit through shifting moments.
  2. The reveal of Jane’s tragic past unfolds in a quiet hospital room, her transformation into John marked by haunting, intimate flashbacks.
  3. The paradoxical meeting between the agent and his younger self, filled with cryptic dialogue and emotional weight, highlights the film’s intricate time-travel twist.
  4. The final confrontation, a cyclical dance of fate and identity, culminates in a profound, unsettling realization about destiny.

Controversies

"Predestination" (2014), a science fiction film directed by the Spierig Brothers, faced minimal public controversy or censorship. However, some critics and viewers debated its complex narrative structure and handling of time-travel paradoxes, finding the plot confusing or overly convoluted. The film also touched on themes of identity and gender, as it involves a character undergoing gender reassignment, which sparked discussions on representation and the portrayal of transgender issues in media. Despite these debates, "Predestination" was largely praised for its originality and storytelling, with no significant censorship issues reported globally.