Films That Bent Reality Before Reality Bent Us

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 5: Some films do more than entertain — they linger, provoke thought, and disrupt one’s perception of reality long after the credits roll. Synchronic, The Endless, and Vivarium belong to this distinctive category of cinema that challenges the intellect while bending the boundaries of storytelling. At a time when mainstream content often relies on sequels and formula-driven narratives, these films stand out as bold, genre-defying works that embrace risk, imagination, and thematic complexity.

Synchronic (2019)

Directed by the visionary duo Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, Synchronic merges science fiction with emotional resonance. The film explores a mysterious designer drug capable of propelling users unpredictably through time — a premise that blends speculative science with psychological depth. Anchored by strong performances from Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan, the narrative intertwines themes of mortality, identity, and the consequences of altered timelines.

The film received praise for its ambitious concept, visual strength, and inventive approach to time travel. Its lifetime global value, combining theatrical, digital, and international licensing revenues, stands at an estimated $10–12 million. While some critics questioned the scientific logic behind the time-travel mechanics, audiences and reviewers largely applauded its originality and emotional centre.

The Endless (2017)

Benson and Moorhead’s The Endless expands the universe of their earlier film Resolution, exploring temporal loops, cosmic mysteries, and the psychological impact of confronting unresolved pasts. Made on a modest budget reportedly under $1 million, the film demonstrates how restrained resources can still yield atmospheric, visually compelling storytelling.

Following two brothers who return to a cult-like community they once escaped, the film blends existential unease with nuanced character arcs. Critics widely praised its slow-burn tension, grounded performances, and layered mythology. Though some viewers found its open-ended lore challenging, the ambiguity has become part of its cult appeal. The film continues to re-emerge in public discourse, inspiring new theories and academic discussions about nonlinear narratives.

Vivarium (2019)

Directed by Lorcan Finnegan, Vivarium offers a chilling critique of suburban conformity and modern isolation. Starring Jesse Eisenberg and Imogen Poots, the film follows a couple trapped in an endless maze of identical houses, forced to raise an unnaturally accelerated child. What begins as surrealist satire evolves into a haunting reflection on societal expectations and the pursuit of an idealised domestic life.

Premiering at Cannes Critics’ Week, the film received the Gan Foundation Award and later gained renewed relevance during the global pandemic, as audiences connected with its themes of confinement and emotional monotony. With an estimated $9–10 million in global combined earnings, Vivarium remains a significant entry in contemporary psychological sci-fi.

Other Films Worthy of Cult Status

Several additional titles continue to shape discussions around inventive, reality-bending cinema:

• Coherence (2013): An improvised, low-budget multiverse thriller that remains a reference point for narrative experimentation.

• Primer (2004): A time-travel classic celebrated for scientific complexity and minimalist storytelling.

• Predestination (2014): A high-concept time paradox narrative praised for emotional and structural precision.

• Under the Skin (2013): A visually arresting, atmospheric exploration of alienation, starring Scarlett Johansson.

Current Cultural Relevance

These films have recently seen renewed engagement within online communities and film education programmes. The resurgence of discussion around The Endless and Synchronic is attributed to the directors’ involvement in high-profile projects. At the same time, Coherence has become a frequent topic in conversations about multiverse theory. Meanwhile, rising housing challenges have reignited analyses of Vivarium’s social commentary.

Collectively, these films exemplify bold storytelling — works that challenge comprehension yet reward curiosity. They are not merely watched; they are experienced, revisited, and continuously reinterpreted.

PNN Entertainment