Quantum Suicide marks the feature-length debut of writer-director Gerrit Van Woudenberg. The dramatic sci-fi thriller follows Cayman (Andrew Rogerson), a physicist spending every waking hour of every day tinkering in his makeshift lab. He’s working on a way to prove the Grand Unifying Theory. His wife, Genevieve (Kate Totten), is very supportive, hoping that once he publishes his discovery, their financial situation will significantly improve.
However, as Cayman gets closer to discovering the truth of reality, things begin happening that he cannot explain. He seemingly repeats moments or days, has trouble standing, and still cannot quite put his finger on the missing component the experiment needs. As he nears the answers he desperately seeks, Cayman puts his life and that of Genevieve in peril. Is there any truth to what Cayman has discovered? If so, is there any hope he survives the outcome?
Quantum Suicide is like a more accessible Primer. Now, don’t misconstrue that statement as Shane Carruth’s time travel drama is a true work of art. It is undoubtedly one of the best sci-fi films of the past two decades. It’s just trying to figure out all the mathematics and science behind it could well make one’s brain explode. Van Woudenberg takes the same broad idea but dresses it up in a way that makes it more manageable for basically anyone to understand. There are definitely still a few elements that will take a repeat viewing or two to comprehend fully, but nothing feels so far removed that the story doesn’t engage.
“He seemingly repeats moments or days, has trouble standing…”
The director maintains an unsettling vibe throughout the 87-minute runtime. Intrigue stems from Cayman’s pursuit of scientific knowledge by forsaking so much else in his life. His friendship with the neighbor’s daughter, Emily (Kennedy Montano), offsets his seemingly selfish ways with genuine sweetness. The love between Cayman and Genevieve is real, so when it frays, all watching feel for both of them.
The acting from the entire cast is excellent. Rogerson sells the single-mindedness of his character without coming across as a jerk. Totten is charming and caring in all the right ways. Montano helps humanize the lead in a way that does not feel cloying or contrived one bit. The actors all sell the drama and mindbending science elements in a believably.
Quantum Suicide is a wild, dramatic time with an absorbing sci-fi premise at its base. The directing is strong and stylish, while the actors are great across the board. Check this out if you’ve already seen Primer a few dozen times and still cannot piece it all together.
"…absorbing..."
