7 Splinters in Time

7 Splinters in Time is an avant-garde, science fiction detective film that was released in 2018. Directed by Gabriel Judet-Weinshel, the movie captivates with its intricate narrative, surreal visuals, and noteworthy performances from distinguished actors Emmanuelle Chriqui, Austin Pendleton, and Lynn Cohen. The memorable storyline merges elements of time travel, identity crisis, and film noir, creating a complex conceptual maze that invites contemplation and rigorous insights from its viewers.

The plot follows Darius Lefaux (played by Edoardo Ballerini), a detective who is summoned to investigate a homicide case. What seems like a conventional murder investigation spirals into a perplexing labyrinth of paradoxes when the detective stumbles upon evidence suggesting that the victim of the murder is, in fact, himself. This shocking discovery sends Darius into a whirlwind of confusion and fear, causing him to question his understanding of reality and thrusting him down a rabbit hole, where the very fabric of spacetime appears to be stitched in a different manner.

Austin Pendleton stars as the mysterious and enigmatic science professor who seems to have valuable insights and knowledge into the peculiarities of time, acting as a guide for Darius on his quest for truth and self-discovery. Emmanuelle Chriqui, best known for her role in HBO's 'Entourage,' convincingly plays the female lead, whose character adds a layer of intrigue and mystique to the complex narrative.

Amidst the bewildering sci-fi premise, 7 Splinters in Time cleverly mimics the classic elements of film noir. The heavy atmosphere and the brooding, morally ambiguous feel of the detective story are reminiscent of the genre’s golden age, while the unique perspective of the narrative forms a new breed of detective science fiction. The dark, moody, and atmospheric cinematography combined with futuristic neon-lit cityscapes also bring a timeless quality to the film's visual narrative.

However, the soul of the film lies not just in its convoluted narrative and moody visuals; it also explores profound themes of identity and time. Darius’ journey to uncover the truth about his duplicated existence is just as much about understanding his own sense of self as it is about solving a murder. The narrative also attaches its philosophical musings on the nature of time - its linearity, malleability, and how it shapes human existence. Yet, it does this subtly, the philosophical elements never overpowering the storyline but offering substantial food for thought.

Despite its complexity, 7 Splinters in Time doesn’t try to patronize viewers by overly explaining its concept. Instead, it invites audiences to actively engage with the puzzling situations and philosophical discussions, allowing the unraveling plot to prompt introspection and intellectual engagement. A robust exploration of the concept of time and the human psyche, this film is a compelling blend of mystery, science fiction, and philosophic pondering.

The film is a commendable display of indie filmmaking prowess, captivating viewers with its storytelling, thematic depth, and visual aesthetic. Despite the limitations common to low-budget films, director Gabriel Judet-Weinshel is successful in expressing a complex narrative efficiently and artistically.

Classy yet unorthodox, perplexing yet compelling, 7 Splinters in Time stands out in the sci-fi genre. Its strong performances, especially from Emmanuelle Chriqui and Edoardo Ballerini, bring out the nuances of the multidimensional characters, while its unique narrative style keeps audiences on their toes. A thoroughly engaging cinematic experience, 7 Splinters in Time is more than your average science fiction film; it's an intellectual excursion that pushes the boundaries of both storytelling and sci-fi.