Almanac Project„ (Project Almanac) is a 2015 American fantasy thriller film directed by Dean Israelite from a screenplay by Jason Pagan and Andrew Deutschman. The film was released in the United States on January 30, 2015.
Almanac Project„ is a science fiction thriller with elements of teen drama, directed by Dean Israelite and produced by Michael Bay. The film uses the style of "found footage" to tell a story of time travel, but through the lens of youthful impulses, ambitions and mistakes. It is one of those films that starts as a harmless adventure and gradually turns into a warning.
The story revolves around high school student David Raskin, a highly intelligent but socially awkward young man who dreams of getting into a prestigious university. After discovering old records and blueprints left by his late father, he begins to assemble a device that turns out to be capable of altering time.
With the help of his sister and a group of friends, David manages to activate the machine. At first, everything seems like a dream - they use their ability to fix small mistakes, earn money and improve their lives. But with each intervention, the consequences become more unpredictable. Small changes begin to lead to serious discrepancies in reality, and control over the situation gradually slips away.
The film gradually shifts from a light and fun beginning to a tense and even dark tone, posing the question: what happens when you gain the power to change time but don't fully understand the consequences?
Dean Israelite's direction uses a "found footage" style to create a sense of realism and immediacy. The camera is almost constantly in the hands of the characters, making the viewer part of the events. This approach works especially well in the beginning, when the film has a lighter tone, but becomes even more effective in the more tense moments, where the chaos and uncertainty are felt more strongly. While not revolutionary visually, the film skillfully uses the limitations of the style to enhance the emotional impact.
Johnny Weston as David Raskin – convincing in the role of a genius who gradually loses control. His transformation is key to the story.
Sophia Black-D'Elia like Jesse Pierce – a charismatic presence and emotional center that gives human weight to the plot.
Sam Lerner like Quinn Goldberg – the comedic element in the group, who brings lightness to the beginning.
Alan Evangelista as Adam – a loyal friend, part of the team that helps build the machine.
Virginia Gardner as Christina Raskin – David's sister, who plays an important role in the development of the story.
The cast is relatively young, but manages to create authentic dynamics and convincing relationships.
Almanac Project„ is a film that successfully combines science fiction with teen drama. While it uses familiar ideas about time travel, it presents them in an accessible and emotionally engaging way. Its strength lies in the gradual escalation – from fun to consequences, from control to chaos. This makes it not just a story about technology, but about the responsibility that comes with it. It is suitable for viewers who like more personal and human stories within the framework of science fiction.
