I just walked out of 'Redux Redux' and honestly, I'm still processing. My coffee's getting cold because I keep staring into space, replaying certain scenes in my head. There's this heavy feeling in my chest – not exactly sadness, more like the emotional hangover you get after a really intense experience. I wasn't expecting to be this rattled by a sci-fi action movie. That 0/10 rating on TMDb is criminal, by the way. Whoever voted that clearly watched a different film. I'm still thinking about Michaela McManus's eyes in the final act – haunted doesn't even begin to cover it.
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What's Redux Redux About?
The movie follows Irene Kelly, a mother whose daughter is murdered. She discovers a way to travel between parallel universes and decides to hunt down the killer across realities. But it's not just about justice – it becomes an addiction. She keeps killing versions of the same man, and the film asks: at what point does the avenger become the monster? It's a revenge thriller wrapped in a sci-fi concept with some genuine horror elements.
What Works in Redux Redux
- ✓ Michaela McManus's performance is a masterclass in controlled rage and crumbling sanity. You feel every kill weigh on her soul.
- ✓ The parallel universe mechanics are shown, not explained with boring technobabble. The visual transitions between realities are brilliantly disorienting.
- ✓ The moral descent is gradual and believable. You're rooting for her until you suddenly realize you shouldn't be.
- ✓ The horror elements aren't jump scares – they're psychological. The dread builds from her own actions, not external monsters.
What Doesn't Work
- ✗ The middle section drags a bit with one too many universe-hopping sequences that feel repetitive.
- ✗ Some of the supporting characters, like the tech guy who enables her, feel underdeveloped and purely functional.
- ✗ The 109-minute runtime feels long in parts. They could've trimmed 10 minutes without losing the impact.
Standout Moments & Performances
There's a scene where Irene confronts a version of the murderer who's a completely different person – gentle, kind, with a family of his own. The conflict on her face, the trembling gun hand... I actually held my breath. Another moment that stuck with me is a silent montage where she returns to her empty home across different universes, each time looking more detached from reality. The most chilling part was a simple close-up on her reflection in a window, where she barely recognizes herself anymore. That hit me hard.
Main Cast: Michaela McManus, Stella Marcus, Jeremy Holm, Jim Cummings, Taylor Misiak
Direction, Music & Visuals
Matthew McManus's direction is confident and claustrophobic, even when the scope is multiversal. The cinematography uses a desaturated palette that drains color as Irene loses her humanity – a brilliant visual metaphor. The score is minimalist, mostly ambient drones that get under your skin. Jeremy Holm as the various versions of the killer is subtly brilliant – he makes each iteration feel distinct. Jim Cummings has a small but memorable role as a universe-weary guide who's seen this story before. The practical effects for the 'universe jumps' are gorgeously analog – think shimmering liquid mirrors, not CGI portals.
Director: Matthew McManus
Genres: Science Fiction, Action, Drama, Horror, Thriller
Who Should Watch Redux Redux?
If you like your sci-fi with heavy philosophical questions and moral ambiguity, this is for you. Fans of movies like 'The Butterfly Effect' or 'Coherence' who want more action and visceral emotion will find a lot to chew on. It's perfect for viewers who don't need clean heroes and villains, but want to sit with uncomfortable questions about grief, justice, and obsession.
Who Might Want to Skip?
Anyone looking for a straightforward, feel-good action romp should steer clear. If you prefer clear-cut morality tales or get frustrated with deliberately paced psychological drama, you'll probably check your watch. It's a demanding, bleak film.
Final Verdict
Despite its flaws, 'Redux Redux' is a compelling, thought-provoking film that stayed with me. It's more than its genre tags suggest – it's a character study wrapped in a sci-fi thriller. I wouldn't watch it again next week because it's emotionally draining, but I know I'll revisit it in a year to catch what I missed. I definitely recommend it, but go in prepared for a challenging experience, not escapism. Bring a friend – you'll want to talk about it after.
