ARQ (2016)

This is quite possibly the slowest burn of a film I have ever seen. It is reminiscent of a video game that you used to play: initially you don't get past the end of level one; then you progress slowly but surely through the game learning from your mistakes, though frequently having to start again from scratch.... Well this is one of them, with Robbie Amell and Rachael Taylor caught in a time loop that gradually reveals a story of betrayal and duplicity as they try to protect a gizmo that might just be the answer to humanity's energy problems from "Torus", a company that wants it too. Unfortunately, and as usual for Amell, this is a rather dry, uninteresting piece of drama - neither character really has any depth; the dialogue and effects are repetitive and all in all it amounts to little more than a digital "Groundhog Day" with apples and fisticuffs.

ARQ is a neat sci-fi flick that's enjoyable enough to keep you from hitting the fast-forward button. The directing by Tony Elliott is straightforward and effective, keeping the action tight and focused without getting bogged down in unnecessary distractions. Cinematography-wise, the film does well considering its confined setting, creating just enough claustrophobic tension to maintain interest. The visuals aren't mind-blowing, but they serve the story perfectly, giving it a gritty, futuristic vibe without leaning too heavily on special effects.

The acting is pretty solid, especially Robbie Amell and Rachael Taylor, who manage to deliver believable performances that hold your attention despite the repetitive nature of a time-loop plot. Speaking of which, the script offers an intriguing premise built around the concept of an "Arcing Recursive Quine," cleverly referencing self-replicating programs known in coding circles as quines. The time loop itself lasts exactly 3 hours, 14 minutes, and 15 seconds, intentionally mirroring the number π (pi), symbolizing the endless cycle the characters are trapped in.

However, while these ideas sound intriguing, the film doesn't quite explore them as deeply as it could, leaving certain questions unanswered. The script includes subtle nods to looping concepts, notably through the codename "Mobius," referencing the Möbius strip, a symbol of infinite loops and endless cycles. The score and sound design don't particularly stand out, but they're effective enough at enhancing tension during key moments. Overall, ARQ is worth a watch if you're into mind-bending sci-fi and don't mind a story that opts for mystery over detailed explanations.