‘The Map of Tiny Perfect Things‘ is directed by Ian Samuels and based on a screenplay by Lev Grossman, who also wrote the fictional novel that the film is based on. It was released exclusively on Amazon Prime.

Mark (Kyle Allen) is a high school junior stuck in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over again where he is the only one who remembers. His mom leaves for work just before he wakes up. His father (Josh Hamilton) has seemingly quit his job to write a Civil War novel. He avoids going to his sister Emma’s (Cleo Fraser) soccer game. He also discusses his situation with his best friend Henry (Jermaine Harris), who simply forgets the time loop the next day. After trying to flirt with a girl at the pool, he runs into Margaret (Kathryn Newton), who is also stuck in the time-loop. The two form a friendship over their mutual circumstance and Mark is excited to meet someone who can him break out the loop. However, Margaret does not seem to want to leave the loop and ditches him at the same time on the day. As they go through this together, they decide to find every perfect thing in the town to find the good in the endless time-loop.

The movie uses the time-loop scenario we find in Groundhog’s Day, a movie that is referenced throughout the film. However, it is more aligned with the 2020 comedy Palm Springs as far as premise and plot. The key difference is that while Palm Springs had a somewhat nihilistic message, relying on raunchy comedy, this movie relied more on slapstick humor and focused on its teenaged protagonists. It also had a much more enduring message, one of hope and taking pleasure in every moment.

Now, the premises of a time-loop comedy might not be anything new, but I also thought that this one, while unoriginal, actually had better meaning to it. Both of the main stars are decent actors and bring the heart to the movie. Now, the science of the movie is a bit wonky and you briefly get annoyed with some of the repeats. That being said, the movie does not overstay its welcome and is simple, but interesting.

Bottom line, The Map of Tiny Perfect Things does have an almost too familiar premise, but the simplicity of the story pulls you in. It is entertaining, interesting, and has a lot of heart.

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Minor violence, Some foul language

FAVORITE QUOTES: ‘Most of life is just junk. And then, there’s these moments, and all the randomness turns into something perfect.’

Check out the trailer below:

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