Independent Films: The Timeslip Review

Stepping away from horror for a moment (yes, I can do that) and into the realm of science fiction, I was presented with an opportunity to watch a short film that went by the name of The Timeslip - a film written, directed and produced by The Chance Brothers of Chance Encounters Productions. Being a fan of science fiction, I was intrigued and jumped on the opportunity to give it a watch.

Imagine going about your everyday routine: waking up in the morning, brushing your teeth, taking a shower, getting prepped for the day, eating breakfast then making the journey to that place so many dread – work. Now imagine being ripped away from your existence and taken to the another place or, rather, another time. It is a moment that some would bask in the false conceptions of what it would be like to travel through time.  This is exactly what happens to an ordinary man in the short sci-fi film, The Timeslip only there was nothing pleasant about his journey.

Wandering through a dense forest and a seemingly no-man’s land, our protagonist tries to make sense of what has occurred to him while holding onto the only thing that represents his reality/existence – that being his briefcase. Without much dialogue, let alone monologue, our hero battles through the elements as he is a guest in this seemingly primitive world. It is here where questions arise, predominantly, what exactly is going on? The filmmakers neglect to answer this question leaving it open to the interpretation of its viewers – a favorite element of mine being that there is room for discussion afterward.

Timeslip is able to say a lot without actually having to say a lot (make sense?). In essence, it is a battle between what once was and what is now – the tribesmen (primitive) versus the man (future/technology). The “locals” mark their territory and try to run the future man out of town or destroy him – local townsfolk run out big-wig corporation (ie.: Walmart). Could there have been some subtext within the film or am I just reading too much into it? Perhaps. But, as with any film, it is open to interpretation.

As a whole The Timesplit, albeit a limited production value, is an excellent short film that is able to convey the story without much use of dialogue and speech. For the most part the film relies solely on its visuals and actions which in no way deters from story and plot. Again, by the film’s conclusion, it is left open for interpretation and discussion so I recommend you give it watch with someone.

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