‘Our Times' movie review: All hail women in this time-hopping romance

The Hindu

a day ago

Our Times is a Mexican romance-drama with a hint of sci-fi. The movie revolves around Nora, played by singer and regular Latin Grammy Awards host Lucero, who is shown to be the brains behind building a time machine along with her husband Hector, played by Benny Ibarra. Hector sees her as a loving partner, whereas the staff at the National Autonomous University of Mexico sees her more as Hector's assistant. They try for extra funds for their project, and invite the University's dean for a meal. The dean likes the dinner prepared by Nora, but doesn't pay heed to her scientific opinions.
After Nora realises how to make the time machine work, the physicist duo travel in time from 1966 to 2025, and face the wonders of the 21st century. The catch is to keep their scientific breakthrough hidden from the world. Nora and Hector learn about new technologies in 2025, try on the latest fashion and even experience wokeism while trying to figure out a way back to the present.
Hector finds it hard to adapt to a world full of women with equal rights whereas Nora enjoys the experiences and continues to project her brilliance. By travelling in time, one could imagine that the main character had a complete shift to a multicultural social development. The movie was shot in Mexico City and one can appreciate the production design depicting the city in the 1960s.
In 2025, Hector feels as though others see him as Nora's assistant and tries to prove his worth. At a conclave where Nora is the guest of honour on International Women's Day, he cuts into her speech with his 'mansplaining' inputs. His speech doesn't get an applause, but the audience are appalled by his opinions which come out as offensive to women.
When the plot is focused on feminism, it reflects the power of women in today's world, in stark contrast to the 60s. Nora finds her voice and is able to accept the progressive mindsets that validate women. She gets to know what patriarchy means and reexamines the old ways. She realises that gender roles have undergone a change and women are able to express themselves and be free. What happens to their character arc, was the most expected. The husband leaves Nora in the future and goes back in time to set her free. He writes a letter saying she is creating her own success and is destined for greater things. The movie ends on a different note though, after she lives a life full of achievements. Their wrinkled faces reminded me of the 90-year-old character in the film Kapoor & Sons, where Rishi Kapoor underwent extensive make-up and looked like someone whose face got swelled up due from a food allergy.
To call Our Times a sci-fi film wouldn't do justice to other sci-fi films, as the plot doesn't quite convince the audience. What the film lacks in screenplay, editing, scene continuity, chemistry as well as music, it makes up with its messaging.
Our Times is currently streaming on Netflix