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According to Chris Snellgrove
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Thanks to the Marvel movies, everyone and their brother now knows about the multiverse theory. However, these films are generally upbeat and present the idea of multiple dimensions as a simple way to see our favorite heroes and villains in strange new costumes. However, one bizarre sci-fi thriller from more than two decades ago showed us a much darker side to this idea by showing in grim detail just how much trying to change the past can ruin your life. That movie is Butterfly effectand now streaming on Netflix for those who want to take their own walk through the dark side of sci-fi.
The Butterfly Effect Plot
Butterfly effect centers on a young man whose childhood memories are essentially Swiss cheese thanks to a series of blackouts and subsequent memory loss. Eventually, his present-day self realizes that he can travel to his past body during these blackouts, and immediately begins changing the past in an attempt to improve his life. Unfortunately, he keeps making things worse, and it soon becomes clear that his attempts to tug at the fabric of reality may unravel his and his friends’ lives in increasingly terrifying ways.
Cast Butterfly effect helps the film sell its wild premise, incl Ashton Kutcher as a young man who keeps jumping into his own past and effectively destroying his future. The film also stars Elden Henson Mighty ducks veteran who MCU fans will recognize him as Foggy Nelson, Daredevil’s partner in law (and occasionally crime). Rounding out the big name cast are Eric Stoltz (the man who was almost Marty McFly) and Ethan Suplee (whose Mallrats the role cemented him as the guy who couldn’t see the hidden 3D sailboat).
Surprising reactions
Compared to his budget Butterfly effect was insanely profitable. With a budget of just $13 million, the film grossed an impressive $96.8 million. That was enough to warrant two direct-to-video sequels, but they have almost nothing to do with the first film and (if we’re being completely honest) generally aren’t worth watching.
Interestingly, Butterfly effect is one of those movies that really divides critics and audiences: he Rotten tomatoesfor example, the film has a critical rating of 34 percent, with critics generally saying that the film is overwritten and based on scenes as tacky as they are shocking. However, via Popcornmeter, those who watched (over a quarter of a million people!) gave the film a much healthier 81 percent.
As you’ve probably guessed, I’m one of the die-hard fans who enjoyed it Butterfly effect much more so than the critics. One of the reasons for my delight is Ashton Kutcher’s performance as the lead. It’s true that the star has come under fire in recent years for her relationships with disgraced celebrities such as Danny Masterson and Diddy. But when you look past his more troubling professional associations, you’ll find that he effectively sells the conflicted emotions of a character haunted by his past and willing to take any risk to save the future, both for himself and his friends.
in addition Butterfly effect really tickles my guts Star Trek fan (one who is never far from the surface) for his heady messages about the dangers of changing history. The truth is, most people would change countless things in their own timeline if given half a chance, from trying to kill baby Hitler to trying to keep their parents together. Changing the past is a common fantasy for those who think the present could be better, and Kutcher’s film is a powerful reminder that those good intentions could still ruin the lives of countless people in ways we could never have predicted.
Director’s cut
The only downside to tracking Butterfly effect on Netflix is that you will see the theatrical version. It’s still a great movie, but the Director’s Cut gets full marks for giving us the bleakest ending possible. And it’s an ending I think about regularly 20 years after watching it, a testament to the film’s creativity and innovative storytelling.
You will melt Butterfly effect like me or will you want to change your own past to never see this movie? You won’t know until you are stream it on Netflix. After that, you may never be able to watch your favorite time travel movies the same way again.
