Sci-fi with something to say, ‘See You Yesterday’ is a must see

“See You Yesterday” is the combined vision of Netflix and Spike Lee’s 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks studio. When these two creative powerhouses come together, what will the outcome be? The film tells the story of a pair of ultra intelligent teens living in the Bronx who succeed in cracking the secret of time travel. After a tragic shooting occurs, the two try to use their discovery to alter the event — but things may not be as easy as they anticipate.

“See You Yesterday” is a film that could have very easily been a disaster. The harsh urban environment the film is set in feels like it would clash horribly with the time-traveling sci-fi elements. Yet, not only does the film make the balance work, but does so in such a fresh way that this could be seen as an interesting twist on both the sci-fi and hood film genres.

What ultimately helps the film work so effectively is in how it devotes equal attention to fleshing out all the elements of its story and paces it in a way that feels natural. The time travel aspect aids in adding tension to the narrative, helping to maintain the feeling as though something is at stake. This kept the events that unfold within the story, for the most part, engaging and surprising. The film doesn’t always answer certain questions which only added to the thematic weight.

There’s no shying away from the grittier aspects of inner city life — aspects that make the consequences experienced by the characters have more impact. At the same time, the screenplay is also able to balance a surprising amount of humor and levity that felt appropriate. This, along with the colorful cinematography and production design, aided in making the environment feel like a character in and of itself.

The acting was also rock solid throughout. Eden Duncan Smith and Dante Crichlow work well off each other as the two leads. Their believable chemistry was complimented by their effective character arcs, especially Smith’s, who succeeds at holding the majority of film on her shoulders. A variety of supporting performances by Brian “Stro” Bradley, Johnathan Nieves, Marsha Stephanie Blake and a clever cameo by Michael J. Fox also stand out.

The problems with the film are very minor. The most notable issue is that the set up for the film’s dramatic turning point is easy to see coming from a mile away. The execution of this story point is well done, but the predictability of it in concept does prove distracting.

Regardless, this is certainly one of Netflix’s best releases in a while and a solid watch. Full of dramatic weight, clever comedy and an effective twist on its genre, “See You Yesterday” makes for an entertaining and thought-provoking watch that you won’t want to miss.