Thescreescore – Hulu’s ambitious new science-fiction feature, In the Blink of an Eye, has landed with a seismic jolt, provoking a profound schism between professional critics and the viewing public. Directed by the acclaimed Andrew Stanton, known for his masterful animated works, this live-action venture has become a cinematic battleground, evidenced by its starkly contrasting scores on Rotten Tomatoes. While critics have largely dismissed the film as "Rotten" with a mere 18% approval from 38 reviews, audiences have embraced its vision, awarding it a resounding "Fresh" 78% based on over 50 ratings. This dramatic divergence, following its Sundance Film Festival premiere on January 26, 2026, and subsequent streaming debut on Hulu on February 27, highlights a fascinating disconnect in how the film’s complex themes and narrative structure are perceived.
At its core, In the Blink of an Eye intricately interweaves three distinct narratives, spanning vast epochs of human history and beyond. The story traverses from the distant past, observing the lives of Neanderthals, through the present day with a dedicated researcher, and ultimately into the 25th century aboard a spaceship guided by a scientist. The film boasts a compelling ensemble, with Rashida Jones and Daveed Diggs anchoring the contemporary segment, while Kate McKinnon portrays the futuristic voyager.
Despite its intriguing premise and notable cast, critics have largely found the film’s execution wanting. A review published on thescreescore.com by Emedo Ashibeze, while commending Thomas Newman’s evocative score, Ola Maslik’s intricate production design, and Ole Bratt Birkeland’s striking cinematography, ultimately branded the film a "sci-fi mess." Ashibeze lamented the superficiality of its characters, arguing that "the presentation of this message doesn’t sting well enough to justify skin-deep characters." This sentiment was echoed by Alissa Wilkinson in The New York Times, who critiqued the narrative’s rapid transitions between timelines. Wilkinson suggested that this structural choice inadvertently curtailed character development, preventing audiences from fully investing in their journeys or comprehending the profound implications of their actions before being whisked away to another era.
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Conversely, the audience reception paints a vastly different picture. Many viewers on Rotten Tomatoes have passionately defended In the Blink of an Eye, contending that critical assessments are unduly harsh. They argue that the film’s profound and thought-provoking message transcends any perceived shortcomings in character depth. While acknowledging a deliberate, slower pace compared to more action-oriented sci-fi fare, audiences have lauded how the three disparate storylines ultimately converge into a cohesive, emotionally resonant, and deeply satisfying conclusion.
This polarizing reception marks another chapter in the live-action career of director Andrew Stanton. Celebrated for his monumental contributions to Pixar, including beloved classics like A Bug’s Life, Finding Nemo, WALL-E, and Finding Dory, and with Toy Story 5 on the horizon, Stanton’s animated works have garnered universal acclaim. His directorial prowess has also shone brightly in television, helming episodes for critically lauded series such as Stranger Things, Better Call Saul, Legion, Tales from the Loop, For All Mankind, and 3 Body Problem. However, his live-action endeavors have consistently proven more divisive. His previous foray, Disney’s 2012 epic John Carter, underperformed at the box office and received a mixed critical response, scoring 52% with critics and 60% with audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. With In the Blink of an Eye, Stanton once again finds his live-action vision at the epicenter of a spirited debate, leaving cinephiles to ponder the intricate dance between artistic ambition, critical interpretation, and popular appeal.
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