In his latest cinematic endeavor, In the Blink of an Eye, acclaimed director Andrew Stanton—the visionary behind Finding Nemo and WALL-E—weaves together a sprawling science fiction anthology that spans eons. The Hulu original film navigates three distinct eras: a prehistoric struggle for survival in 45,000 BC; a high-stakes celestial mission in the year 2417 featuring Kate McKinnon as an isolated astronaut; and a grounded, contemporary narrative. This central pillar follows Claire (Rashida Jones) and Greg (Daveed Diggs), two graduate students whose burgeoning romance unfolds against the backdrop of Claire’s mother’s terminal illness.
Though the relationship between Claire and Greg serves as the film’s most relatable anchor, its scope is anything but modest. Stanton, working from a script by Colby Day, chronicles the couple’s journey from a clumsy initial encounter through decades of shared milestones, scientific breakthroughs, and the inevitable approach of mortality. For Jones, depicting the finality of a life well-lived presented a unique creative hurdle.
“The concept of facing death while reflecting on a truly fulfilling life is a rarity in cinema,” Jones shared during an interview. “Exploring that mindset through our rehearsal process was a profound experience.”
Diggs faced his own set of challenges, particularly the task of portraying Greg as a man in his late twenties—a significant jump back for the 44-year-old actor. He noted that while Hollywood often encourages actors to mask their age, this role required him to actively inhabit a younger psyche rather than just concealing gray hair.
Creative Agility: The Art of Moving the Mountain
Both leads praised Stanton’s highly collaborative approach to filmmaking. Diggs expressed surprise at the director’s willingness to experiment, given the traditionally rigid nature of the animation world where Stanton built his career. However, Jones—who has her own history as a screenwriter and famously departed Pixar’s Toy Story 4—argued that Stanton’s background actually fostered his adaptability.
“Animation requires a massive amount of flexibility,” Jones explained. “You’re constantly discarding scripts and reinventing narratives. Andrew’s mind is incredibly agile in that regard.” She also credited Stanton with providing her most valuable piece of writing advice: the philosophy of ‘moving the mountain.’ When a story element becomes an immovable obstacle, Stanton suggests restructuring the world around it rather than fruitlessly trying to climb it.
The Ethics of Eternity
A pivotal plot point in the film introduces ‘Elixir,’ a medical breakthrough that grants humans hundreds of years of vitality. This discovery creates a ripple effect that touches the futuristic 2417 storyline and prompts deep philosophical questions about the nature of aging. When asked if they would personally opt for such longevity, both actors expressed significant hesitation.
Diggs admitted that while he might accept a modest extension of a decade or two, the idea of living for centuries holds little appeal. Jones echoed this sentiment, noting that while she would cherish extra time to see her children grow, the ethical and societal costs of such technology are troubling. She raised concerns about resource scarcity and the inevitable class divide that would determine who gets to live forever and who is left behind.
“We already live significantly longer than our ancestors,” Jones mused. “But at a certain point, staying alive longer means taking resources away from future generations. It’s a complicated, unsettling trade-off.”
In the Blink of an Eye is now available for streaming on Hulu.
Source: Polygon
