Review: ‘Synchronic’ Unique Horror Thriller with Great Performances

Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead (“Loki”, “The Twilight Zone”) direct “Synchronic,” a unique thriller that follows two New Orleans paramedics who face devastating consequences after discovering a dangerous new drug known as “Synchronic”. With Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan taking on the leading roles, the film seems set to be an enjoyable thriller, but minor issues dotted across the film take it down a few levels.

Set in New Orleans, “Synchronic” follows Steve Denube (Anthony Mackie), a paramedic who learns he has an untreatable brain tumour on his pineal gland and only has six months to live. As he continues to go about his daily life, he and his partner Dennis (Jamie Dornan) respond to an increasing number of calls where a mystery drug appears to be responsible.

But when Dennis’s daughter Brianna (Ally Ioannides) goes missing and “synchronic” seems to be the cause of her disappearance, Steve embarks on a desperate rescue attempt to save Brianna with the help of the otherworldly drug. But with his amount of pills dwindling, Steve finds himself forced to come clean to Dennis about what he’s been doing behind his back and the pair set off on a mission in order to bring Brianna back.

Great Acting

Mackie and Dornan both give great performances throughout the 103-minute run-time, displaying what appears to be a genuine friendship that seamlessly elevates both performances. Justin Benson pens a script that just about manages to grasp the film’s twisting concept and turn it into an entertaining film while also asking audiences to deal with the fallout of both a missing child and a failing marriage.

The film’s supporting cast also give good performances alongside it’s A-list leads, but “Synchronic” isn’t a film that will be getting its cast any major awards. Despite its unique premise, the curiosity and confusion that comes with a film like “Synchronic” stops there. Mackie and Dornan’s characters unfortunately aren’t anything special and just end up being predictable protagonists brought salvaged by strong performances.

“Synchronic” isn’t exactly a film that’s going to tug on your heartstrings, but then again when was the last time a sci-fi time travelling adventure left anyone with tears in their eyes. Aside from the star-power of Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan, the only thing “Synchronic” really has going for it is its distinctive take on and presentation of time travel.

Visually Appealing

Aaron Moorhead does some impressive work as cinematographer and provides the film with both pleasing visuals and stomach-churning imagery. The score, composed by Jimmy LaVelle (“Youth”), is complimentary to the film’s sci-fi, futuristic aesthetic. The editing is brilliant and works incredibly well in all the right places, and when Steve travels back in time, the VFX department does a great job with crafting the film’s visual effects, especially during the various time travel sequences and bringing the historical locations to life.

In conclusion, “Synchronic” is an ambitious take on time travel that stumbles in certain areas but just about manages to give viewers an entertaining viewing experience. Jamie Dornan and Anthony Mackie each give performances that keep viewers interested in the film’s story, which at times can be a little confusing.

“Synchronic” is available to stream on Netflix.