The Map of Tiny Perfect Things - A Movie Review

We’ll figure everything out eventually, just like this time loop we’re cursed in.

After breaking free from a time loop, The Map of Tiny Perfect Things appeared in theaters in 2021. Mark and Margaret are two teenagers stuck in a time loop. As they figure out what it all means, they journey to distinguish life’s perfect moments.

I love this film. The Map of Tiny Perfect Things is another Groundhog Day time loop film. That doesn’t mean it's the same old film. This film supplies a heartwarming message of what these stories are about. Live each day to the fullest and don’t be afraid of facing obstacles.

Movies that start in the middle of dilemmas immediately entice audiences. How long have our characters been trapped in their Groundhog Day realms? That only adds to the excitement.

Kyle Allen and Kathryn Newton are fantastic in the lead roles. Mark and Margaret do as they please in the time loops and sometimes take advantage of things. Both actors are great in their performances, studying their character’s behavior to the situation. They conveyed relatable traits and problems faced by teenagers.

Allen delivers a charming performance as Mark, a quick-witted and observant teen who initially revels in the freedom the time loop provides. I have become a fan of Newton’s and her versatile career. She is a multi-talented actress. Newton’s character spoke to me, especially with what she was going through.

As for the supporting cast, it’s a mix of performing the same actions and dialogue, but they have a much bigger purpose than that. Credits include Jermaine Harris, Anna Mikami, Josh Hamilton, Cleo Fraser, Jorja Fox, and Al Madrigal.

Ian Samuels did not copy similar tropes from other time loop-related films. Instead, he focused on the beauty and significance of everyday life rather than the monotony of repeating days. Time loop films have important messages. Never be afraid to live. We all have situations in our lives that we’d rather avoid because of the fear of what the future holds.

The film is a bit slow at the start. The Map of Tiny Perfect Things doesn’t have many surprises. For example, viewers didn’t have to know right away that it’s a time loop story. Palm Springs (2020) handled the concept differently. I am not saying that films should copy each other, but more for the sake of originality.

The humor is subtle, but actors make it known by their response to the time loop. Getting stuck in a time loop gives you all the time to practice games or a hobby.

I wasn’t expecting the film to be so poignant. If you had the option, would you repeat one of your most memorable days to experience the feelings or the people? It’s important to focus on the present and look forward to what the future holds. I’d rather bask in the memories than go back to the past. Keep living each day to the fullest.

Everything about this movie is real; the story, the characters’ friendship, and the moral. Another element of the film is how you should focus on other people. Upon discovering what Margaret is enduring, Mark sees the world in a different light. Time Loop movies make you stop and pay attention to the people around you. Everyone has a story.

The Map of Tiny Perfect Things is a movie we can’t ignore. I need to read the short story by Lev Grossman. Take a look at it on Amazon Prime. It’s going on my rewatch list and that says a lot.