Watch Chronological Order

Chronological Order is a 2010 independent film that follows the story of a young man named Joe who is trying to piece his life back together after a traumatic brain injury leaves him struggling to remember much of his past. Written and directed by auteur filmmaker M. X. Morales, the movie explores themes of memory, love, loss, and acceptance - all while experimenting with unconventional storytelling techniques that subvert the traditional narrative structure.

The movie opens with a montage of black and white footage that shows Joe waking up in a hospital bed with no memory of how he got there. The camera work here is jarring and disorienting - it jumps and spins wildly, mimicking the chaotic and confusing experience that Joe is going through. From here, the story is told in a non-linear fashion, with a series of flashbacks and flash-forwards that gradually reveal more about Joe's past and his relationships with the people around him.

At the heart of the film is Joe's relationship with his girlfriend Olivia, played by Rachel Netherton. Olivia is initially presented as a sort of enigma - we see glimpses of their relationship together, but it's clear that there is much more going on beneath the surface. Throughout the movie, we slowly piece together their backstory, with moments of tenderness and love contrasted against scenes of frustration and despair.

Brett Jacobsen turns in a strong performance as Joe, imbuing the character with a vulnerability and sincerity that makes him easy to root for. We feel his pain as he struggles to remember even the most basic details of his life, and we share in his frustration as he finds himself unable to connect with the people around him. Vic Stagliano and Rick Seguso also deliver solid performances as Joe's best friends, who are trying to help him put the pieces of his life back together even as they struggle with their own issues.

Chronological Order is a movie that rewards patience and attention to detail. While the fragmented narrative structure can be difficult to follow at times, the payoff is worth it - the movie gradually builds to a powerful emotional crescendo that leaves a lasting impact. Director Morales is clearly interested in experimenting with form and structure, and while the movie occasionally veers into self-indulgence, it is mostly successful in its efforts to subvert audience expectations.

Overall, Chronological Order is a well-crafted independent film that explores complex themes with sincerity and empathy. While it may not be for everyone, it is a movie that rewards repeated viewings and thoughtful analysis - and for those who are willing to engage with it, it offers a deeply rewarding cinematic experience.

Chronological Order is a 2010 science fiction movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.7.