Mar. 06, 2020|United States|85 Min.|TV-14
Genre: Horror;Science;Fiction;Thriller
Description: Shifter is a unique time travel film where the story takes a positive turn. Unlike typical time travel narratives, this movie focuses on the protagonist’s journey to fix not a timeline but the physical effects of her time-altering device on her body. The film shares similarities with *Volition* and *Timecrimes*, as the main character, Theresa, played by Nicole Fancher, discovers something has gone awry and attempts to resolve it through multiple “shifts.”
Before the events of *Shifter*, Theresa creates a mysterious device purely out of curiosity. While the film never explicitly explains its purpose, the opening scenes hint at its capabilities when Theresa’s cat unexpectedly appears inside it. The storytelling is refreshingly subtle, avoiding heavy-handed exposition, which allows the audience to piece things together naturally. This approach keeps the film intriguing and leaves a lasting impact.
Nicole Fancher delivers a compelling performance, portraying Theresa with a mix of endearing qualities and relatable flaws. The character’s multidimensional personality is explored beyond her scientific dilemma—her love for old cinema, her evolving dating preferences, and her waning interest in her job are all woven into the narrative. The film skillfully demonstrates how her “curse” influences every aspect of her life.
The cinematography and soundtrack complement the story, maintaining a patient and understated tone that is rare in low-budget films, particularly in the horror genre. Considering its minimal budget, *Shifter* stands out as an impressively crafted film, showcasing creativity and resourcefulness.
Cast director: Jacob Leighton Burns
Cast actor: Nicole Fancher, Ashley Mandanas, Leesa Neidel, Stephen Goodman, Paul T. Taylor
Original name: Shifter