Primer (2004)
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Two engineers accidentally discover a method for time travel and must navigate the escalating complexities and ethical dilemmas of their discovery.
The story
Two engineers, Aaron and Abe, supplement their day jobs with entrepreneurial tech projects, working out of Aaron's garage. During one such research effort involving electromagnetic reduction of objects' weight, the two men accidentally discover an 'A-to-B' causal loop side-effect: objects left in the weight-reducing field exhibit temporal anomalies, proceeding normally, then backward in a continuously repeating sequence. Abe refines this proof-of-concept and builds a stable time-apparatus ('the box') sized to accommodate a human subject. The duo begins to use the device to make profitable same-day stock trades, but their differing personalities and the physical toll of the time travel begin to strain their partnership.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
After discovering a way to travel back in time using a device called 'the box,' engineers Aaron and Abe begin making stock trades based on future knowledge. However, the process causes physical deterioration and mental strain. The tension peaks when they encounter a man who exists in a temporal overlap, leading them to realize the dangers of their actions. They eventually discover that they have been manipulated by different versions of themselves; Aaron had used a 'failsafe' box to stay ahead of Abe, while Abe attempted to sabotage the original experiment. They eventually reconcile and work together to resolve a past tragedy involving Abe's girlfriend. Ultimately, they part ways: Aaron moves to other countries to pursue personal gain, while Abe remains to sabotage the original 'box' to prevent others from using it. The film ends with multiple versions of Aaron and Abe continuing to navigate the consequences of their actions in a complex web of overlapping timelines.
- First release year
- 2004
- Runtime (minutes)
- 77
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Shane Carruth
- Writers
- Shane Carruth · writer
- Cast and characters
- Shane Carruth · Aaron; David Sullivan · Abe
- Genres
- science fiction; drama; thriller
- Themes
- scientific discovery; ethical consequences of technology; deterioration of relationships
- Tone and mood
- realistic; complex; lo-fi
- Premise and plot tags
- time travel; hard science fiction; independent film
- Reception
- The film received positive reception for its originality and realistic portrayal of scientific research, though its dense, non-linear narrative and heavy use of technical jargon were polarizing for some viewers.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 72% · scale: percentage · review count: 129; Metacritic · score: 68 · scale: 100 · review count: 25
- Awards and nominations
- Grand Jury Prize · Dramatic · 2004 · Win; Alfred P. Sloan Prize · films dealing with science and technology · 2004 · Win; Best Writer/Director · Shane Carruth · 2004 · Win; Best Feature · London International Festival of Science Fiction · 2005 · Win
- Production trivia
- The film was produced on a budget of only $7,000.; The time machine is a plain gray box with a sound created by overlaying a mechanical grinder and a car engine.; The film's principles of time travel are inspired by Feynman diagrams.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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