Written by Chris Snelgrove | Published
Thanks to Marvel movies, everyone and their brother now knows about the multiverse theory. However, these films are generally upbeat and introduce the idea of different dimensions as a simple way to see our favorite heroes and villains in strange new costumes. However, one sci-fi thriller from over two decades ago showed us the dark side of this idea by showing us in grim detail how attempts to change the past can ruin your life. This movie is Butterfly effectand is now streaming on Netflix for those who want to take their own stroll into the dark side of sci-fi.
Butterfly effect plot
Butterfly effect The film follows a young man whose childhood memories are essentially Swiss cheese thanks to a series of blackouts and subsequent amnesia. Eventually, his present self realizes that he can travel to his past body during blackouts, and immediately begins making changes to the past in an attempt to improve his life. Unfortunately, he continues to make things worse, and it soon becomes clear that his attempts to manipulate the fabric of reality are unraveling his life and the lives of his friends in increasingly horrific ways.
Cast Butterfly effect The film helps sell its wild premise, including Ashton Kutcher as a young man who keeps jumping into his past and effectively destroying his future. The film stars Elden Henson Mighty ducks The veteran who MCU fans will know as Foggy Nelson, Daredevil’s partner in law (and sometimes crime). Among the bigger names are Eric Stoltz (the man who was close to Marty McFly) and Ethan Suplee (who… Mallrats This role cemented him as the man who cannot see the hidden sailboat (3D).
Surprise reactions
Compared to its budget Butterfly effect It was insanely profitable. For a budget of just $13 million, this film grossed an impressive $96.8 million. This was enough to warrant two direct-to-video sequels, but they have almost no connection to the first film and are generally not worth watching (if we’re being completely honest).
Interestingly, Butterfly effect It’s one of those films that really divided critics and audiences: On Rotten Tomatoes, for example, the film has a 34 percent critical rating, with critics generally feeling the film is overly scripted and built on scenes that are as tasteless as they are shocking. However, via Popcornmeter, those who watched (more than a quarter of a million people!) gave this movie a healthier 81 percent.
As you’ve probably guessed, I’m one of the die-hard fans who enjoyed the experience Butterfly effect Much more than the critics did. One of the reasons I enjoyed the movie is because of Ashton Kutcher’s performance in the lead role. Admittedly, the star has come under fire in recent years for his associations with disgraced celebrities like Danny Masterson and Diddy. But if you can look at his more troubling professional engagements, you’ll discover that he effectively sells the conflicted emotions of a character haunted by his past and willing to take any risk to save the future, whether for himself or his friends.
In addition, Butterfly effect It really tickles my Star Trek fan (one who’s never strayed far from the surface) with its provocative messages about the dangers of changing history. The truth is that most people would change countless things about their schedule if given half the chance, from trying to kill baby Hitler to trying to keep their parents together. Changing the past is a common fantasy for those who believe the present can be better, and Kutcher’s film is a powerful reminder that these good intentions can nevertheless ruin the lives of countless people in ways we could never anticipate.
The director snapped
The only downside to watching Butterfly effect On Netflix is that you will watch the theatrical version. It’s still a great movie, but the director’s film gets full points for giving us the depressing ending possible. It’s an ending I still think about regularly 20 years after watching it, and it’s a testament to the film’s creativity and innovative storytelling.
Are you going to rush? Butterfly effect Just like me, or do you want to change your past so you never watch this movie? Not even you will know Stream it on Netflix. Then, you may never be able to watch your favorite time travel movies the same way again.