Looper (2012)

Looper (2012) — directed by Rian Johnson — is a smart, tense blend of action, drama and science fiction that asks big questions about fate, identity and the consequences of violence. Set in a near-future world where criminal organizations use outlawed time travel to dispose of targets, the film follows Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a “looper” paid to kill people sent from the future. His life unravels when his next target is his own future self (Bruce Willis), who escapes execution and sets both men on a violent, morally complicated collision course. Emily Blunt plays Sara, a struggling mother whose son, Cid, holds the key to a dangerous future; Jeff Daniels appears as an underworld fixer. If you watch Looper you’ll get a tightly plotted, high-concept thriller that balances kinetic shootouts and gritty near-future set pieces with quieter, emotionally charged moments. The movie mixes suspenseful action with philosophical stakes — as younger and older versions of the same man confront their choices, the story probes whether people can break cycles of violence or are doomed to repeat them. Visually it’s atmospheric and often bleak, with strong, grounded performances (notably Willis and Gordon-Levitt) that keep the science-fiction mechanics emotionally resonant. Expect a morally ambiguous, sometimes brutal experience that rewards attention: the plot weaves time-travel rules, suspense, and character-driven drama into a satisfying, thought-provoking whole. Good for viewers who like cerebral action films that leave you thinking about consequences long after the credits roll. (Content note: violence and disturbing scenes.)

Actors: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, Emily Blunt

Director: Rian Johnson

Runtime: 113 min

Genres: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi

6.6 /10 84 /100 7.4 /10 7.5 /10