'Redux Redux' review: Revenge is a dish best served repeatedly according to this sci-fi thriller | SXSW 2025

Mothership Motion Pictures

You've probably felt a shiver or eight in the last 24 hours and the reason for said phenomenon is the fact that this article will contain the almighty word "multiverse" that has become all too common when discussing movies. But don't be too afraid and too quick to teleport away because you might be pleasantly surprised if you stick around for Redux Redux. Written and directed by brothers Kevin McManus and Matthew McManus, their new sci-fi action thriller takes on time travel and follows Irene Kelly (Michaela McManus), a tortured woman who is travelling to different universes where she keeps killing a man (Jeremy Holm, unknown character name*) who we learn murdered her daughter in her home universe. Irene has established a mind-numbing routine for all this until she encounters a runaway teenage girl (Stella Marcus, unknown character name*) whom she starts to spend time with.

First of all, it's always endearing to see projects punching above their weight, especially when one is using such a well-trodden approach as its kickstart. Redux Redux's sci-fi and action bits come in small, restrained doses, but there's real resourcefulness behind most of the choices, whether that has to do with VFX*, a highway car chase or our main characters trying to find a way out of a dangerous situation. The McManus brothers' direction of the piece occasionally falls victim to possible budgetary restraints as the outcome doesn't always match the ambition (perfectly understandable, all things considered), but their writing more than counterbalances such little quirks. At its core, the film is not only thrilling and tense when it needs to be, but it's also incredibly humane and curious when it comes to the characters and the emotions they're dealing with, all the way to the final few scenes.

While those characters have some rough edges to them—mainly since the dialogue can be slightly reductive when we're following Marcus' character* who can veer towards your typical annoying teenager at times—they are well-rounded, sympathetic (doesn't mean they are always *shudders* likeable) and driven. You understand the despair and weariness that keep suffocating Irene during her quest for revenge; you feel the unusual connection between her and Marcus' character* right away; you recognise their humanity and moments where that humanity threatens to evaporate as the cycle of violence begins to take a toll.

Michaela McManus in the lead role also portrays Irene's highs and lows rather beautifully and in ways that you might not expect considering those genre tags. Her interplay with the rest of the cast (Marcus, Holm, Jim Cummings as a recurring one-night stand*) is also very compelling and full of truthful interactions. It's not necessarily a showy role because Irene is often so muted and lost as a person, but the actor's sincerity seeps through regardless.

Redux Redux isn't particularly groundbreaking in regard to stories featuring a multiverse, neither structurally nor technically, but there is a wavy, trance-esque synth score by composer Paul Koch, some enjoyable action and slick, western-inspired photography (by cinematographer Alan Gwizdowski) helping to make the journey more appealing. Most importantly, this is a sophisticated and clever thriller with plenty of soul, earnestness and vigour in its bloodthirsty bloodstream. But do not worry: it's also entertaining if that is what you're looking for first and foremost.

Smileys: Screenplay, characterisation, Michaela McManus

Frowneys: Nothing too disappointing

If you can travel through time, you will definitely have some time to kill.

4.0/5

[*Editor's note: Apologies for inaccurate or insufficient credits. The publicist for 'Redux Redux' hasn't responded to our enquiry regarding proper information about the film and the people behind it before the publication of this review.]