Netflix’s Our Times: A Refreshing Take on Time Travel
Time travel films often follow a familiar formula: a protagonist journeys into the past to rectify personal or societal tragedies. Classics like The Flash, Avengers: Endgame, and even the early 2000s The Time Machine center on these loops of regret. Enter Our Times, streaming now on Netflix, which boldly flips this narrative by propelling its characters into the future. Rather than being fixated on altering the past, it invites viewers to consider how to seize the present, offering a thought-provoking and humorous twist on an age-old genre.
The Film’s Central Characters
At the heart of Our Times is Nora Esquivel, played by the talented Lucero, a physics professor in 1966 Mexico. Together with her husband, Héctor (Benny Ibarra), she embarks on a quest to build a time machine. While Héctor recognizes Nora as an equal partner, the academia surrounding them presents a different story; she is often seen merely as his assistant. This dynamic echoes historical injustices faced by renowned women in science, such as Rosalind Franklin and Chien-Shiung Wu, who made groundbreaking contributions but were overshadowed by their male counterparts (History).
A Journey Into the Future
When their time machine inadvertently launches them into 2025, Nora and Héctor must navigate a world vastly different from their own. They seek assistance from Nora’s former student, Julia (Carolina Villamil in 1966, Ofelia Medina in 2025), now the university dean. Their journey isn’t just about fixing their time machine; it is a poignant exploration of how gender roles have evolved, presenting a refreshing contrast to stereotypical portrayals of time travel.
Themes of Gender and Empowerment
Nora’s and Héctor’s earnest attempts to adapt to modern society are sprinkled with comedic moments as they grapple with 2020s technology and fashion. Their experience creates a striking parallel with contemporary gender dynamics. As Greta Gerwig’s recent Barbie highlights, traditional gender roles trap everyone—men included. Our Times lightly touches on this theme, showcasing how Nora’s perspective expands in the more egalitarian environment of 2025.
While Lucero and Ibarra display a charming, goofy chemistry, the film unfortunately lacks the depth found in Barbie’s societal commentary. Director Chava Cartas creates tender moments that resonate more deeply during key interactions than in broader comedic expressions, such as dance sequences or quirky science references.
Emotional and Intellectual Conflicts
The emotional rift that develops as Nora embraces her new identity in 2025 juxtaposed with Héctor’s desire to revert to the status quo feels slightly rushed. As the narrative unfolds, Héctor’s struggle to reconcile his past success with a present sense of inadequacy is compelling yet underexplored. Moments of unrest arise, particularly illustrated through a cringe-worthy scene at an International Women’s Day panel, which serves as a peculiar attempt at social commentary.
The Impact of Time Travel on Relationships
Echoing the essence of The Time Traveler’s Wife and About Time, Our Times refrains from delving deeply into the mechanics of time travel. Instead, the focus lies on its implications for personal relationships. While the script offers a vague explanation involving tachyons and wormholes, it builds a deadline that propels the Esquivels toward a decision—will they return to 1966 or embrace their newfound reality? Unanswered questions linger, especially regarding their goals for time travel beyond mere acknowledgment of their genius.
Nora’s grandniece, Alondra (Renata Vaca), provides a refreshing counterpoint to her character, guiding her away from clinging to family ties in the past and urging her to embrace new opportunities. Humor interlaces with deeper themes as Alondra challenges Nora’s conservative views, highlighting the generational gap and the evolving nature of relationships.
Concluding Thoughts
Our Times ultimately offers a bittersweet reflection on personal growth and the shifting dynamics of love, relationships, and ambition. By pushing its main characters forward in time instead of backward, it encourages a narrative of self-discovery and the pursuit of a brighter future rather than obsessing over regrets. This engaging film invites audiences to reflect on how relationships evolve in the face of changing circumstances, leaving a lasting impression amidst laughter and heartfelt moments.
Catch Our Times streaming on Netflix now and join a journey that explores relationships through the lens of time travel, while celebrating the strides made toward gender equality and personal empowerment.
