In The Blink Of An Eye Movie Review (2026)
A film that centers on three different stories spanning thousands of years, In The Blink Of An Eye makes you think about existence and community, but is lacking in the emotional depth department.
I have seen a LOT of bad movies, so when I first glanced at the reviews for this (which are not great), it didn’t deter me. While I have no interest in ever seeing Materialists or The Extra Man again, you occasionally get a diamond in the rough. I’m game for anything!
In The Blink Of An Eye focuses on three different time periods – the past, the present, and the future – all intermixed within the storytelling. The past is 45,000 BCE, when a Neanderthal family thrives; the present follows two intellectuals who are dating; and the future is aboard a spacecraft where a lone woman works with an AI.
I really enjoyed the ideas in this movie. Watching three distinctly different experiences that you want to intersect, but can’t quite see how that could be possible, is incredibly unique – particularly for time periods so far apart.
You spend an equal amount of time with each of the stories, so you never feel as if you have seen more of one than another, but despite what was happening in the story or what you were seeing cinematically, it felt empty and somewhat lifeless. I hunted for any kind of connection, I just never found it.
I very much appreciated what I watched visually, though. It’s beautifully organized, with each time period sharing emotional or event similarities, and each setting is wholly faithful to its inhabitants. You also never quite know where the storyline is going, which kept me curious.
In The Blink Of An Eye stars Kate McKinnon, Rashida Jones, and Daveed Diggs, all of whom are excellent for what they are given, but it is McKinnon who is the standout for me here. Watching her perform in a straight role, mostly by herself, without playing for laughs, is exceptional. If I felt anything for anyone during this film, it was during one or two fleeting moments with her character.
This is not a terrible film, so don’t let the haters get you down. In The Blink Of An Eye has some really good ideas and is cinematographically enjoyable, it just plays other areas so safe that you skate right on by them. Not a bad watch, though. You could definitely do worse!
Runtime: 94 minutes
Motion Picture Rating: PG-13
Languages Spoken In The Film: English and Neanderthal language
Should You Watch It? Sure, it’s fine
Did I Cry? Nope
My Rating: 2.5/5 Stars
Available: Free on Hulu and Disney+ or may be available for free on other streaming platforms
