The Infinite Man

The Infinite Man, directed by Hugh Sullivan and starring Josh McConville, Hannah Marshall, and Alex Dimitriades, is a science fiction film infused with a romantic comedy element that flawlessly combines love, regret, and the retelling and reconceptualization of time. The film premiered in 2014 and since then has received critical acclaim for its unique blend of genres, original plot, and top-notch performances by the cast.

In this fascinating dive into the trials and tribulations of love, we follow the quirky, Ian-like character, Dean (Josh McConville), a perfectionist and over-thinker who works as an inventor bent on creating the perfect romantic weekend for his girlfriend Lana (Hannah Marshall). As things go awry, he looks to his scientific prowess to repair what he sees as a flaw, his behaviour is coloured by the innate human desire to rectify past mistakes and create a better future to fix a flawed present.

The film opens in an eerie, long-abandoned hotel in the middle of Australia's barren outback landscape. Here, control-freak Dean is attempting to recreate a cherished anniversary memory for Lana in an effort to salvage their withering relationship. Things don't go as planned and the entrance of a third character, Terry (Alex Dimitriades) a former boyfriend of Lana’s, makes the romantic scene more complicated.

In order to win back his beloved, Dean starts experimenting with time. The movie allows the viewer to grasp Dean’s obsession with perfecting his life moments, using time travel as the primary tool. The result? A romantic weekend turned into a chaotic time loop where every mistake and decision is constantly recycled, and the distinction between the past, present, and future begins to blur. These repeated encounters with their past and future selves trigger a chain of events that spiral out of their control.

What makes The Infinite Man a standout is its ability to squeeze such a complex concept within the constraints of a three-character piece, without the need for extravagant effects or cosmic delusions often associated with time travel tropes. The emphasis is less on the time paradoxes and scientific accuracy and more on the human element: the fabric of relationships and how we interact with our past and future selves.

Australian actor Josh McConville does a splendid job of portraying the anxious and troubled Dean, bringing out his desperation and obsession convincingly. Hannah Marshall plays Lana whose patience with Dean's particularities begins to wane. The tension in their relationship is tangible even as they try to rekindle what was lost. Alex Dimitriades excellently plays Terry, the macho ex-boyfriend who is the counterpoint to the neurotic Dean in Lana's life.

Hugh Sullivan's treatment of the script gives viewers a fresh perspective on the worn-out trope of time travel. He cleverly uses this as a tool for exploring regret, heartbreak, and the lengths one will go to save a deteriorating relationship. The barren setting of the film adds a surreal quality, effectively intensifying the complex situation the characters find themselves in.

The film is more than just a sci-fi rom-com; it's a visually captivating and emotionally gripping exploration of love, time, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. It's a tale of human desperation in the face of failure and the struggle to control the uncontrollable elements of life. The Infinite Man creates a surreal space where viewers can ponder their interpretation of time, personal history, and the essence of love.

Despite its complex plot, The Infinite Man is never difficult to follow and always effortless to engage with, thanks to the smart script and convincing performances. If you are a lover of time travel narratives with a bent for romance and a penchant for introspection, this movie will be an absolute treat with its originality, humor, and emotional depth.