
In Time is a 2011 science fiction thriller set in a dystopian future where aging stops at 25, and time functions as the currency that everyone uses to pay for goods and services. The story centers on Will Salas (Justin Timberlake), a poor factory worker who unexpectedly inherits a large amount of time, propelling him into a dangerous world where he must evade the relentless pursuit of the elite timekeepers while trying to change the unequal system. Alongside Sylvia Weis (Amanda Seyfried), the daughter of a wealthy time magnate, Will challenges the societal structure that immortalizes the rich and condemns the poor to a ticking clock of survival.
The film explores themes of economic disparity, the value of time, and social injustice. By literalizing time as money, it critiques capitalist systems that perpetuate inequality and the hoarding of resources by the privileged few. The concept provokes reflection on mortality and the human desire for longevity, while highlighting how power dynamics influence access to the very commodity of life itself. It also delves into the notion of revolution and sacrifice in pursuit of a fairer society.
Upon release, In Time garnered mixed reviews but sparked conversations about its unique premise and social commentary. While some critics praised its inventive world-building and thought-provoking ideas, others found its execution lacking depth. Nonetheless, the film has maintained a cult status among sci-fi enthusiasts for its imaginative take on time as currency and remains a reference point in pop culture discussions on economic inequality and dystopian futures.