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Predestination is a 2014 science fiction film directed by Michael and Peter Spierig, starring Ethan Hawke, Sarah Snook, and Noah Taylor. The film is based on Robert A. Heinlein's short story, "All You Zombies." The film tells the story of a time traveler, played by Ethan Hawke, who is on a mission to prevent a terrorist attack that killed thousands of people in a dystopian future set in the 1970s. As he travels through time, he encounters a woman, played by Sarah Snook, who is also a time traveler, and together they become embroiled in a web of mystery and time paradoxes that challenge the very fabric of their existence.

The film opens with an intriguing scene where a man known only as the "Barkeep" (played by Ethan Hawke) is sitting at a bar. A John F. Kennedy speech is playing in the background, and the camera pans over to show a television screen with a countdown clock on it. Suddenly, the bar explodes, killing everyone in it, except the Barkeep, who manages to escape unscathed. Following the attack, the Barkeep is approached by a mysterious organization known as the Temporal Bureau, who recruits him to stop the person responsible for the attack, known only as "the Fizzle Bomber." The Temporal Bureau is a time-traveling agency that is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the timeline.

The Barkeep's mission is to find the Fizzle Bomber, who has been active for decades, and stop him before he can carry out any more attacks. To do this, the Barkeep must go back in time to the 1970s and infiltrate a terrorist cell. It is on this mission that he meets the enigmatic woman known as the Unmarried Mother (played by Sarah Snook). The Unmarried Mother is also a time traveler and has her own mission to complete. Without giving too much away, the rest of the film is a complex web of time travel paradoxes, twists, and turns that leave the audience wondering who is who, and what came first - the chicken, or the egg?

The standout performance in Predestination is undoubtedly that of Sarah Snook, who gives a stunning and nuanced portrayal of the Unmarried Mother. Snook's subtle facial expressions and body language convey a depth of emotion that is powerful and affecting. Her character is complex and enigmatic, and Snook plays her with an eerie detachment that is both chilling and captivating.

Ethan Hawke also delivers a strong performance as the Barkeep. His character is more straightforward than the Unmarried Mother, but Hawke brings a level of gravitas and intensity to the role that is compelling. Noah Taylor's performance as Mr. Robertson, the head of the Temporal Bureau, is also noteworthy. Taylor balances the character's bureaucratic demeanor with a palpable sense of anxiety and desperation.

The film's production design is a standout aspect of Predestination. The film's depiction of the future is both familiar and strange. It is a world that is not too far removed from our own, but with a few key technological advancements that have led to significant changes in the way society functions. The sets and costumes are all meticulously designed, and the attention to detail is evident in every frame.

Predestination is a film that requires a lot of attention from its audience. The time travel elements of the story can be confusing and disorienting, and the film's non-linear structure adds a layer of complexity to the proceedings. However, for those willing to put in the effort, Predestination rewards with a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant story that explores themes of identity, fate, and the nature of existence itself.

In conclusion, Predestination is a complex and emotionally charged science-fiction film that challenges its audience to question the very nature of time and space. With standout performances from its lead actors and a detailed and immersive production design, it is a film that rewards repeat viewings and careful consideration.

Predestination is a 2014 science fiction movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 69.