Academic Obsession Drives 'Chronovisor' Into Dark Academia

Key points

• Directed by Jack Auen and Kevin Walker, the film stars Anne-Laure Sellier as Beatrice Courte, a philosophy professor in New York City.
• The plot centers on Courte's investigation into the 'chronovisor,' a device claimed by real-life Italian priest Pellegrino Ernetti to record past events like the crucifixion of Christ.
• The film was shot on 16mm film by cinematographer Leo Zhang, creating a grainy, analog aesthetic that mirrors the archival materials featured in the story.
• It received a 'Critic's Pick' from The New York Times and sold out screenings at the New Directors/New Films festival.
• Lincoln Center programmed a 15-film repertory series to accompany the film's release, highlighting its cultural impact.

Background

The film draws on real historical rumors regarding Pellegrino Ernetti, a Benedictine monk who claimed to have invented a time-viewing machine. It also references literary works by Robert Burton and David Bentley Hart. The archive notes a general trend in 2026 toward character-driven sci-fi thrillers, such as 'Dark Matter' Season 2 and 'Starman,' but 'Chronovisor' distinguishes itself through its focus on academic research and archival aesthetics rather than action or multiverse spectacle.

How outlets are covering it

Roger Ebert's review emphasizes the film's 'cosmic horror' elements and the protagonist's descent into madness, noting that the ending feels slightly expected but the journey is riveting. The New York Times critic Brandon Yu highlights the 'enchanting' nature of the debut, praising the low-budget mystery that unfolds through images of texts. Vulture critic Alison Willmore describes it as a 'miniature masterpiece of dark academia,' focusing on the aesthetic of research and the character's ascetic lifestyle. In Review Online notes the film's commercial success, including distribution from Grasshopper Film and a repertory series at Lincoln Center, calling it a 'miniature sensation.'

Why it matters

The film's success demonstrates audience appetite for intellectually dense, atmospheric thrillers that blend historical fact with speculative fiction. Its critical acclaim and festival sell-outs indicate a strong market for niche, high-concept indie films that prioritize mood and research over traditional plot structures.

What to watch

The film is currently in wide release, with tickets available through Grasshopper Films. The 15-film repertory series at Lincoln Center is ongoing, providing additional context for the film's themes. Future projects by Auen and Walker are not yet announced, but their success with this debut may influence their next endeavors.