6:45 is a frustrating watch, namely because Bobby keeping Jules in the dark is confusing for ¾ of its runtime. Then, a twist happens that makes everything make total sense (well, within reason) and perfectly explains the need to keep her from knowing the truth of the time loop. While one will get most irritated at Bobby for long stretches of time, ultimately, his foolish and selfish decision to keep Jules unaware of what is happening is a massive part of his characterization. When that twist happens, it works beautifully and really pushes the emotions to the forefront. With that being said, moving it closer to the halfway mark (the film is only 87 minutes) and dealing with that fallout and blurring lines between past, present, future, fantasy, and reality a bit more would have really pushed the whole affair into a more unique and engaging realm, versus a really solid example of the time loop story.
But, even with one hating Bobby for so much of the runtime, the film still works. Singer keeps the film moving at a swift pace, thanks in part to some clever montage and split-screen use. While the blood in the various murder scenes is very fake looking, the effects, for the most part, are pretty good, and the cinematography makes this small deserted town entirely eerie. Couple that with the score, courtesy of Kostas Christides, and the entire production feels otherworldly and strange, which is fitting given the subject matter.
“…the entire production feels otherworldly and strange…”
Plus, the cast of 6:45 really knocks it out of the park. Michael Reed is imminently hateable as Bobby, playing him as both repulsively slimy and quite sincere at the same time. It is a hard thing to balance, but he does so quite well, giving each scene the required emotional resonance needed to work. Augie Duke reminds viewers once again why she deserves to be a much bigger star than she is, bringing a charm and playfulness to her role that is not there as written. She and Reed share excellent, if disarming, chemistry, making their antagonizing love feel authentic.
6:45 will frustrate just about everyone who watches it for its first hour or so. But, the reason the characters act like this and do/say these things does make sense by the time the credits roll. However, for some, it might be a bit of a too little, too late situation as the twist not happening sooner means that Bobby’s antics will turn off potential viewers. But thanks to the pacing, cinematography, and especially the cast, the film offers up more than enough value to be an entertaining ride for 90-minutes.
"…blurring lines between past, present, future, fantasy, and reality..."
