Sidney (Riley Dandy) and Joseph (Adam David Thompson) are siblings on the run from both their past and current reality in writer/director Michael Felker’s upcoming sci-fi film, Things Will Be Different. Playfully pitting dark forces against each other in a game of metaphysical cat and mouse, the film is an engaging and suspenseful watch from start to finish. Achieving a tonal semblance of The Last of Us meets Back to the Future, Things Will Be Different offers a unique blend of heist drama and surreal sci-fi thriller.

A “Robbers on the Run” Drama Turns into a Time-Traveling Thriller

In order to escape the police after a robbery gone wrong, two estranged siblings concoct a plan to lay low in a farmhouse outside of town. What seems like a random location to Sidney is exactly what Joseph is looking for. Upon arriving at the location, Joseph details what makes the house so special: its ability to transport them into another dimension in time. Amused, Sidney agrees to follow Joseph’s plan, which seems simple enough. They follow a series of routines before entering a dark room through a special locked door. This is where the process takes place. After re-emerging, they will find themselves in a different year.  The siblings will stay for two weeks and wait for time to pass in their present until it is safe to return home without fear of persecution from the cops.

Watch the Things Will Be Different trailer here.

In the beginning, the plan works as it should. Joseph and Sidney spend the days drinking whiskey and exploring the farmland without a worry in the world. But it isn’t long until they realize that they may not be alone in this new dimension. Just what–or who–this metaphysical farmhouse harbors is far darker than they ever expected. Trapped in this alternate reality, Joseph and Sidney are forced to face a mysterious entity that pushes their already fragile bond to its breaking point.

Backed by a Chillingly Atmospheric Score

Michael Felker crafts Things Will Be Different to have a larger-than-life story on an indie film budget. Large concept ideas are explored yet, admittedly, not always answered to audience satisfaction. Whether or not this will be a sticking point depends on your tolerance for unanswered questions. Nevertheless, the lead actors do a great job of embodying a restlessness and inquisitive nature within their characters. Adam David Thompson and Riley Dandy create a convincing sibling dynamic with their authentic quips and playful banter. Another standout is the score by Jimmy LaValle (aka The Album Leaf). His meditative and atmospheric soundscape leans into Philip Glass territory at times, which adds an exciting element to every scene.

Takeaway

Things Will Be Different is an ambitious feature debut by filmmaker Michael Felker. Throwing their support behind the film as Executive Producers are directors Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, whose own films tend to live in the surreal fantasy space. Nominated for Best First Genre Feature Film at the 2024 SXSW Film Festival, Things Will Be Different is commendable for its confidence in tackling the time travel genre in a fresh, new way.