Watch Trauma Is a Time Machine

Trauma Is a Time Machine is a 2018 independent drama film that explores the devastating effects of trauma on individuals and how it haunts them throughout their lives. Augie Duke stars as Helen, a young woman still grappling with the traumatic death of her mother when she was a child. In order to cope with the loss, Helen has developed a self-destructive lifestyle that involves substance abuse and reckless behavior.

Gabe Fazio plays Thomas, a widower who is also struggling with his own trauma after the death of his wife. Thomas is a photographer who uses his art as a way to process his grief and attempt to move on from the tragedy that has defined his life. When Helen and Thomas meet, they form an unexpected bond that helps both of them confront their respective traumas and begin to heal.

Throughout the film, the past and present are woven together in a nonlinear narrative that highlights the cyclical nature of trauma. Helen and Thomas both experience flashbacks and vivid memories that transport them back to the moments of their trauma, highlighting the ways in which these experiences continue to impact them years later. Despite the pain this causes, they both struggle to let go of the past and move forward with their lives.

The film is directed by Angelica Zollo, who co-wrote the script with Wade Radford. Zollo, who based the film on personal experiences with trauma, uses a dreamlike visual style to capture the ethereal nature of traumatic memories. She also plays with sound design in a way that emphasizes the psychological impact of trauma, using jarring noises and silences to heighten the emotional intensity of the film.

Duke delivers a powerful performance as Helen, portraying her as a complex and deeply wounded character who is desperate to find a way out of the cycle of self-destruction she has found herself in. Fazio also excels as Thomas, conveying the quiet desperation of a man who has been shattered by loss but is still searching for some semblance of peace.

Elizabeth A. Davis delivers a standout performance as a therapist who works with both Thomas and Helen as they attempt to work through their trauma. She offers a compassionate and nuanced portrayal of a mental health professional who is able to guide her patients towards healing while fully acknowledging the enormity of the task at hand.

Trauma Is a Time Machine is a raw and unflinching exploration of the long-lasting impact of trauma on individuals. It is a film that doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of grief and pain but ultimately offers a message of hope and resilience. Through its depiction of characters struggling to rebuild their shattered lives, the film speaks to the resiliency of the human spirit and the power of connection to heal even the deepest wounds.

Trauma Is a Time Machine is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 2.9.