"Omni Loop" - movie review

Mary Louis Parker in Omni Loop (Magnolia Pictures)

It’s hard to imagine how it will all end. Society's obsession with death and the concept of a looping purgatory—reliving the same moment over and over—feels like a version of hell. In Bernardo Britto's sci-fi thriller "Omni Loop", we follow Zoya (Mary-Louise Parker) as she finds herself trapped in an endless repeat of a fateful day. Determined to take matters into her own hands, Zoya embarks on a journey to break free. Omni Loop is a lighthearted yet thoughtful sci-fi drama that reminds us of the preciousness of time.

Zoya is caught in a personal "Groundhog Day" of looping torment. Along the way, she meets Paula (Ayo Edebiri), and together, they set off on a quest for escape. The film offers plenty of moments to appreciate Parker’s candid, grounded performance, reminiscent of her role as the struggling single mother in Weeds. Her chemistry with Edebiri shines, but it’s Parker’s solo scenes that truly stand out, showcasing her uncanny ability to capture the emotional depth and frustration of her character's predicament.

Omni Loop explores profound themes of death and inevitability. While we may have no control over our fate, it's the will to keep going that pushes us forward. There are moments when you want to shout at Zoya to give up, yet as the viewer, you too struggle to see a way out.

With solid performances and intriguing existential questions, Omni Loop is a film that will pique the interest of sci-fi fans. Although it lacks an iconic ‘80s soundtrack, elaborate death sequences, or Bill Murray, it holds its own in the time-loop genre.

Rating: 3/5

Omni Loop

Written and Directed by Bernardo Britto

Starring Mary-Louise Parker, Ayo Edebiri, Hannah Pearl Utt, Chris Witaske, Carlos Jacott, Harris Yulin, Steven Maier, Eddie Cahill