REVIEW: Kathryn Newton and Kyle Allen are the Perfect Pair in The Map of Tiny Perfect Things
We have all been living in our own time loop these last couple of months, so watching a movie about a time loop may not appeal to everyone. But, Ian Samuels’ The Map of Tiny Perfect Things is a different take on the time loop genre that is enjoyable from start to finish.
Based on the short story by Lev Grossman, the movie follows Mark (Kyle Allen) who has been living the same day over and over again. Mark has no idea why he is living the same day over and over again, but he is in no hurry to find out the reason why, until he comes across Margaret (Kathryn Newton), who seems to be also living in the same time loop as him. Now, Mark and a reluctant Margaret team up to find out why they are in the time loop and what is keeping them from escaping the loop.
The time loop format has been visited many times over the last couple of years, with the most recent being the release of A24’s Palm Springs. Typically, they tend to appeal to an older audience, however, Samuels’ take on the format welcomes a new generation to the genre. Also, unlike other time loop movies where the focus is on why the leads are in the time loop, Samuels and screenplay writer, Lev Grossman, focus on the magic of the time loop. They have the audience focus on all the little things that make life great rather than going through all the reasons why the main characters can’t escape the loop.
The other thing Samuels’ did that really made the movie good was how seamless the time loop seemed. Each scene, though repetitive, felt new because of how the scenes were shot and the small additions added to each scene. The scenes flowed so easily and never felt old. Part of this of course was because of Samuels’ direction, but also with Allen and Newton’s performance.
Newton and Allen are couple goals in this movie. The two’s chemistry makes every scene they are in a fun time for all. Newton’s Margaret is down on her luck and has no interest of escaping the time loop, which allows Newton to bring a more serious, sarcastic tone to the movie. While Allen’s Mark, is not only good looking, but also has a more fun nature about him, which allowed Allen to bring a more relaxed tone to the movie. Combined, the two create the perfect, chemistry filled balance.
The Map of Tiny Perfect Things will leave you looking for those tiny perfect things that make life worth living. It will remind you to slow down and take your time to enjoy what is right in front of you.
Grade: A