Sundance Review: Andrew Stanton's 'In the Blink of an Eye' Criticized as Technofuturist Propaganda

The film's dated perspective on technology as savior is likely due to its 2016 Black List script, according to the review.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 1:31am

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Andrew Stanton's second live-action feature, "In the Blink of an Eye," premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival and is set to arrive on Hulu on February 27. The film, which tackles three separate narratives, has been criticized as immensely dated and hyper-polished, purporting to be a celebration of the human spirit but instead leaning heavily on the idea that technology will save us all.

Why it matters

The review suggests that the film's technofuturist perspective is likely due to its 2016 Black List script, and that the best narratives look at timely topics with prescience. The film's presentation of technology as a replacement for God and its refusal to explore the conflict between its characters' views on immortality are also noted as problematic.

The details

"In the Blink of an Eye" follows three separate narratives: a family of Neanderthals struggling to survive in 450,000 BC, a present-day story of a university researcher named Claire (Rashida Jones) and her relationship with Greg (Daveed Diggs), and a far-future story of Coakley (Kate McKinnon), the only passenger on a massive space station headed to a distant planet. The film's polished aesthetic and wall-to-wall music are also criticized as lacking personality.

  • The film premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.
  • The film is set to arrive on Hulu on February 27, 2026.

The players

Andrew Stanton

The director of the film, known for his work in the Pixar universe.

Colby Day

The writer of the film's 2016 Black List script.

Rashida Jones

The actress who plays the character of Claire in the film.

Daveed Diggs

The actor who plays the character of Greg in the film.

Kate McKinnon

The actress who plays the character of Coakley in the film.

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The takeaway

The review suggests that "In the Blink of an Eye" presents a dated and problematic perspective on the role of technology in society, failing to explore the nuances and conflicts inherent in its themes. The film's polished aesthetic and lack of personality are also criticized, indicating a missed opportunity to deliver a more compelling and thought-provoking sci-fi narrative.