Needle In A Timestack Apr 2026

At its core, the story follows Nick (Leslie Odom Jr.) and Janine (Cynthia Erivo), a couple living in what appears to be marital bliss. However, their happiness is constantly threatened by "time shifts"—metaphysical waves that ripple through the present whenever someone changes the past. The central conflict arises when Janine’s wealthy ex-husband, Tommy (Orlando Bloom), uses his resources to "jaunt" back and systematically dismantle Nick and Janine’s relationship so he can have her for himself.

between the original Robert Silverberg short story and Ridley's film adaptation. Needle in a Timestack

However, the film often struggles with its own pacing and emotional depth. Critics have noted that while the premise is rich with potential for a psychological thriller, the execution leans heavily into "pained sincerity" and slow-moving melodrama. The chemistry between the leads is sometimes described as muted, making it difficult for the audience to fully invest in the central romance that Nick is so desperately trying to save. At its core, the story follows Nick (Leslie Odom Jr