You have to give "Primer" some points for being original if nothing else. After all, the makers of this science-fiction thriller turn several conventions of the genre on their ears.
In particular, they use the overdone time-travel concept to explore ethical issues — such as, how important loyalty and friendship really are today. In the process, they also manage to comment on the profit-over-everything corporate strategy that seems to be so prevalent today.
And yet the film is much too smart for its own good. You'd need several viewings just to comprehend most of its more labyrinthine plot points. And even then some of it would probably elude you.
Still, it's refreshing to see something this different. And something this ambitious with its characters, especially best friends Abe (David Sullivan) and Aaron (Shane Carruth, who also wrote and directed).
Along with two other friends, Abe and Aaron have been spending their nights working on an invention. And as ridiculous as it sounds, its purpose even eludes them. However, it eventually becomes clear that it may have some limited time-travel applications.
That leaves them with something of a dilemma. These would-be entrepreneurs are worried about the possible moral ramifications, the undeniable urge to change either the past or future. And it suddenly pits them against each other.
Believe it or not, the entire film was supposedly made for $7,000. And as overused as the clichZ has become, it looks like a million bucks.
True, you can quibble with the performances, since the mostly nonprofessional cast is a bit acting-challenged — in particular, Carruth, who is stiff and more than a little self-conscious.
The film does make you think, though, a rarity in cinema these days. And, at less than 80 minutes, it flies by in a hurry.
"Primer" is rated PG-13 for scattered use of profanity (including one usage of the so-called R-rated curse word), brief drug content (use of a sedative) and some off-screen violence. Running time: 78 minutes.
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