Common Sense Media Review
By Christie Cronan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Slow sci-fi drama with mature themes, sex, and blood.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
In the Blink of an Eye
What's the Story?
In three storylines spanning across time and space, IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE intersects at the crossroads of the human experience. Set in the Neanderthal era, modern day, and the distant future, these timelines reflect on connection, hope, and the temporariness of life.
Is It Any Good?
In an ambitious attempt to connect humanity, this sci-fi drama ultimately projects a disjointed, poorly executed existential idea that fails to connect the dots with the audience. While viewers can appreciate Stanton's willingness to step outside of his animated film box in In the Blink of an Eye (his films include classics like WALL-E and Finding Nemo), he somehow completely forgets his emotional Pixar roots in this live-action film. With three very separate storylines and little depth to connect to the soul of the film, this drama plays more like three TV episodes rather than one cohesive movie. Add in a slow build, surrealism, symbolism, and a heavy reflective emotional arc, and most audience members (including adults) will be lost in time and space. Sadly, the only saving grace is the merciful 94-minute run time.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what sci-fi films like In the Blink of an Eye say about the importance of humanity. What does this movie say about what makes someone "human"? Do you agree that our emotional connection and growth is our biggest human achievement? Why, or why not?
This film suggests that small steps can make a lasting impact. Can you think of any real-life examples of where one small choice made a big difference?
The storyline is made up of three distinctly different timelines and characters. Why do you think the filmmakers chose to tell the story this way? Do you think that the three storylines connect or disconnect from the overall theme of the film? Why?
How does this film portray technology? As helpful, harmful, or neutral? Do you agree with the filmmakers' portrayal?
Do you think the film presents the future as something hopeful, scary, or a combination of both? What details made you think this way?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : February 27, 2026
- Cast : Kate McKinnon , Rashida Jones , Daveed Diggs
- Director : Andrew Stanton
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Lesbian Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Searchlight Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Adventures , Dystopia , Robots , Space , STEM ( AI , Nature , Science )
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sexual content, thematic material and some bloody images
- Last updated : March 17, 2026
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