Name: Armageddon Time
Genre: Drama
Released: 2022-10-28T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Banks Repeta, Anne Hathaway, Jeremy Strong, Jaylin Webb, Anthony Hopkins

The opening shot of Armageddon Time lingers on an 11-year-old boy, Paul Graff (Banks Repeta), sketching in the margins of his notebook instead of paying attention to his teacher—a quiet act of rebellion that sets the tone for James Gray’s deeply personal coming-of-age drama. This moment encapsulates the film’s central tension: the struggle between conforming to societal expectations and pursuing one’s true passions. Set in 1980 Queens, New York, the film is a loving yet unflinching re-creation of Gray’s childhood, blending nostalgia with a tough-minded examination of privilege, prejudice, and the complexities of growing up.

Gray, known for his meticulous direction and character-driven narratives (Two Lovers, The Lost City of Z), brings a similar attention to detail here. The film is steeped in the era, from the fashion and music to the political climate of the time. The soundtrack, filled with period-appropriate songs like “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen and “Celebration” by Kool & the Gang, enhances the atmosphere without overpowering the narrative. The cinematography, though not groundbreaking, effectively captures the gritty realism of Queens, contrasting it with the polished aesthetics of the private school Paul attends later in the film.

Repeta delivers a nuanced performance as Paul, capturing the innocence and confusion of adolescence with remarkable sensitivity. His chemistry with Jaylin Webb, who plays Johnny Davis, is palpable, making their friendship the emotional core of the film. Webb brings a rebellious energy to his role, providing a stark contrast to Repeta’s more introspective character. Their dynamic is the heart of Armageddon Time, exploring themes of loyalty, identity, and the impact of systemic inequality on young lives.

The film’s strength lies in its exploration of class and racial dynamics through the lens of childhood. Gray doesn’t shy away from portraying the subtler forms of prejudice that Paul encounters, whether it’s the casual racism at his new private school or the unspoken privileges he enjoys as a white Jewish boy. The scene where Paul witnesses racist comments directed at Johnny is particularly powerful, highlighting the uncomfortable realities of growing up in a divided society. Gray uses these moments to critique the broader societal issues of the time, making Armageddon Time more than just a personal story—it’s a commentary on the enduring struggles of inequality.

However, Armageddon Time falters in its pacing and structure. The film’s runtime feels unevenly balanced, with some subplots, like Paul’s relationship with his grandfather Aaron (Anthony Hopkins), feeling overly drawn out. While Hopkins delivers a compelling performance, imbuing his character with warmth and wisdom, the emotional weight of his storyline sometimes overshadows the central dynamic between Paul and Johnny. Additionally, the film’s resolution feels somewhat rushed, leaving key themes underdeveloped. The climax, where Paul and Johnny steal a computer from school, is tense but lacks the narrative payoff it needs to feel truly satisfying.

The performances are generally strong, with Anne Hathaway and Jeremy Strong delivering nuanced portrayals as Paul’s parents, Esther and Irving Graff. Hathaway, in particular, brings a mix of warmth and sternness to her role, making Esther a complex figure who is both loving and restrictive. Strong, known for his intense performances (Succession, The Big Short), brings a similar intensity here, though his character sometimes feels one-dimensional compared to the more fleshed-out roles in Gray’s other films.

One of the film’s standout moments is the scene where Paul’s grandfather tells him the story of how Aaron’s mother escaped antisemitic persecution in Ukraine. This narrative thread adds depth to the film’s exploration of identity and heritage, connecting Paul’s personal struggles with broader historical contexts. However, this subplot also highlights one of the film’s weaknesses: its tendency to digress into tangential storytelling that doesn’t always serve the central narrative.

Armageddon Time is a film that wears its heart on its sleeve, offering a poignant exploration of friendship, family, and the struggles of growing up in a world filled with inequality. It’s a deeply personal story, rooted in Gray’s own experiences, and it resonates with anyone who has ever felt caught between conflicting loyalties and expectations. However, its pacing issues and uneven structure prevent it from reaching the emotional heights it aims for.

The film is likely to appeal to audiences who enjoy character-driven dramas with historical and social commentary. Fans of Gray’s previous work will find familiar themes and stylistic choices here, though they may also notice some of the same pitfalls that have plagued his other films—namely, a tendency toward melodrama and uneven pacing. For those looking for a more conventional coming-of-age story, Armageddon Time offers a fresh perspective, but it’s not without its flaws.

In the end, Armageddon Time is a film that succeeds in capturing the essence of a time and place, even if it stumbles in its execution. It’s a story about growing up, about friendship, and about the enduring struggle to find one’s place in the world.