5.3 River (2023) ”Cry Me a River”

Hey Babbler!

This week we are babbling about River (2023), directed by Junta Yamaguchi, known for his earlier cult hit Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes (2020). This film once again showcases his knack for turning high-concept sci-fi into intimate, character-driven storytelling.

We clearly love this film, so you may well (you will) hear us gush with praise, as we reluctantly take it all apart and put it back together again. Like a beautiful time-jigsaw. Or poking a hole through a paper wall.

Set in a picturesque ryokan (traditional inn) in Kyoto, River traps its characters in a relentless two-minute time loop, a twist on the familiar Groundhog Day formula that proves both funny and surprisingly poignant.

The loop centres around the staff of the inn, whose daily routines, small talk, chores and guest interactions become both absurd and revealing under the pressure of repetition. The film cleverly explores the monotony of work and the emotional toll of relentless routine. It’s fun all the way this week, Babblers!

Two minutes. That’s it. Not five. Not thirty. Just enough time to say “Wait, what’s happening?” before *boom!* back to square one. It’s like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube while someone keeps slapping it out of your hands every 120 seconds. We’ve all done it.

The film is adorable and wholesome, a bit like watching a group of very polite people slowly lose their minds in the most courteous way possible. There’s no violence, no explosions, just a lot of running, shouting, eating, drinking, avoiding deadlines and increasingly creative ways to say “We’re doomed.” Oh, and nudity and stabbing, reappearing poo and a wooden dog.

River is more than a clever sci-fi experiment, it’s a meditation on connection, routine, and the small moments that shape our lives. Whether you’re a fan of time loop stories or just looking for something thoughtful and fun, this film is well worth your time. As is this podcast. Fact.

Time Babble Series Five, Episode Three is waiting for you now on your favourite podcast service. If you can’t find it, please write in to the usual address.

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