The time machine itself is a simple, cramped box made mostly of PVC no shinyDeLorean, nodimension-hopping T.A.R.D.I.S.
This creates multiple complex, interwoven timelines and ultimately leads to a rift between the two characters.
Primerisfamously cerebral, refusing to hold the audience’s hand at any point.
Image by Annamaria Ward
The two leads speak in arcane physics jargon throughout because Carruth was adamant that the dialogue should sound authentic.
But that wasn’t Carruth’s goal.
You’re guaranteed to be chewing on this one for months, two minutes at a time.
Image via THINKFilm
IfPrimerwas an unlikely hit, then its creator was an equally unlikely filmmaker.
Carruth has a degree in math and started his career as an engineer before quitting to pursue writing.
Perhaps surprisingly,the acting is one ofPrimer’s biggest strengths.
Both performances are subdued and understated, yet a great deal of subtext lies just beneath the surface.
How Was ‘Primer’ Made?
However, this meantthere was no budget for multiple takes.
Image via THINKFilm
And like his character, Carruth claims to be a “control freak.
He also doesn’t let his wife in on the secret, to Abe’s surprise.
In a key moment that rewards repeat viewings, Abe secretly creates the failsafe box.
Image via THINKFilm
This is where the true complexity of the narrative hits.
Recent popular genre projects have treadeddystopian,post-apocalypticworlds as seen inThe Last of UsandThe Creator.
In a world dominated by technology and AI,Primerisnt just anostalgic trip.
Its more of a thought-provoking critique of what happens when we start messing with larger-than-life forces.
For instance,The Creatorasks, What does it mean to be human in a robotic world?
