Armageddon Time

James Gray’s coming-of-age tale Armageddon Time is a familiar yet nonetheless riveting affair that examines family, classism and prejudice through the lens of daydreaming youngster Paul (Michael Banks Repeta). His new friendship with Johnny (Jaylin Webb) causes friction within his family, who believe Paul would be better in a private school, away from Johnny’s influence. The kid’s only crutch to lean on is his loving grandfather (Anthony Hopkins), but as he struggles to understand where he fits in within everything that’s going on, the strain on Paul and his family only worsens.

Written with a wry comic flare, Gray’s script has an uncontainable charm that will win viewers over within the first few minutes, as Paul and Johnny’s attempts at clowning around in class aggravate the stern Mr Turkeltaub (Andrew Polk). However, sitting just behind the humour is an apt reflection of society as fitting today as in its 1980 setting. As the children begin to acquaint themselves, it becomes apparent that they come from completely different backgrounds. Paul is lavished with gifts from his wealthy grandparents, whereas Johnny talks of living with his grandmother who has dementia. It’s only when the boys’ escapades land Paul in serious trouble do his family, spurred on by their devotion to doing the best for the boy, decide to send Paul to a prestigious private school.

Gray paints a telling picture of the flawed futility – and even unattainability – of the American Dream by showing the contrasts between public and private education, the boys’ backgrounds and Paul’s grandparent’s success compared to that of his mother (Anne Hathaway) and father’s (Jeremy Strong).

Alongside Gray’s astute storytelling, acclaim likewise must be given to Hathaway and Hopkins for their sensational acting: whenever the pair are onscreen, they bestow a whole new level of charisma and personality on Paul’s story. Hopkins, especially, is the main source of this film’s heart, which leads to many tear-jerking moments.

Although Armageddon Time doesn’t tread any new ground within the coming-of-age category, Gray’s comical critique of the American Dream and a spattering of delightful performances give this movie everything it needs to shine.

Andrew Murray

Armageddon Time is released nationwide on 18^th November 2022.

Watch the trailer for Armageddon Time here: