I recently finished a month-long rewatch of an old, favorite TV show with multiple seasons (Six Feet Under), so this weekend we shifted back into movie-watching mode.
I happened to stream two titles that both blew me away. They’re distinctly different in style and tone, yet they share something in common: a wicked twist that makes you sit up and start REALLY paying attention.
In both films, the unexpected twist involves an element of time travel. Are you ready? Let’s see if I can pique your interest in these movies without spoiling anything big!
Edge of Tomorrow (2014) is a sci fi action movie that is actually leaving Netflix soon, so you’ll have to hustle and watch this ASAP. It’s a Tom Cruise production, which usually means he’s playing an action hero who is extremely cocky and confident… but that’s where this film surprised me. Initially, Cruise’s character is the very opposite of his usual swaggering, on-screen persona. In this movie, he got to show off his acting chops and not just his legendary stunt abilities. We see Cruise’s lead character frightened, powerless and at the mercy of others – something I haven’t seen him play before.
Emily Blunt is also excellent in her role and I enjoyed their chemistry and joint physicality very much. The time loop aspect is unique and the alien fight scenes are scary, fast-paced and leave the audience feeling breathless. Overall, this was an exciting, enthralling watch and perfect Friday night fare. Again, watch it soon before it departs Netflix!
Caddo Lake (2024) is more of a slow burn drama but still has a big reveal that grabs your heart and won’t let go. This movie just popped up on Netflix so you’ve got some time to watch it. In fact, this is one I’ll definitely be watching again because the twists and turns had me almost wanting to take notes so I could keep track of where the story was going.
It starts out fairly straight forward: a family or two rocked by deaths and disappearances in a small town on a lake in Texas or Lousisiana. However, the lake’s murky depths contain more secrets than you can possibly imagine, linking these family members together in unexpected and mind-blowing ways. I don’t want to say much more for fear of giving away Caddo Lake’s secrets. Just know this is a really good watch, will require all your focus (no dual-screen watching for this one – put that little screen away!) and the payoff is sad but sweet. The actors here all did a great job and the only one I recognized was Lauren Ambrose, who happened to also star in Six Feet Under.
One additional tidbit: although neither of these two movies particularly focuses on romance, there is enough of a romance angle here that I’m forcing both of these titles into my favorite movie genre: time-travel romance. If you haven’t read my post about my other favorite movies in this genre, then you should definitely check it out.
And if you know of any other movies or TV shows I should watch – especially ones with big twists, time travel or romance – let me know in the comments below or over on Facebook or Instagram!
