Primer

About

Primer is a 2004 American independent science fiction film written, directed, produced, edited, and scored by Shane Carruth. The movie revolves around two engineers, Aaron and Abe, who accidentally discover a method for time travel while working on a device intended to reduce the weight of objects. As they explore the possibilities of their invention, they use it to make profitable stock trades, but soon find themselves entangled in complex timelines and paradoxes. The film's narrative is intricate and demands multiple viewings to fully understand the sequence of events. The film explores themes of causality, free will, and the consequences of altering timelines. Aaron and Abe's experiments lead to multiple versions of themselves, creating tension and mistrust between them. The movie culminates with the duo attempting to correct past events, ultimately leading to a divergence in their paths. Primer is noted for its realistic portrayal of time travel and its avoidance of traditional paradox pitfalls, making it a thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating film. Its complexity has earned it a cult following and critical acclaim, including the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.