🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Jac Schaeffer
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi
- Release year: 2009
- Runtime (length): 1h 39min
- IMDb rating: 6.5/10 (14K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 60%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Woman in a world where everyone has a wrist-mounted countdown to meeting their soulmate can’t find love, so she dates a cute grocery clerk until her watch suddenly dings for her sister’s boyfriend, proving that technology is always right, even if it destroys your life.
🍿 TiMER: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to the TiMER Universe
In a near-future society, technology has advanced to include ‘TiMERs,’ devices implanted on a person’s wrist that count down to the moment they meet their soulmate. This technology has become widely accepted, influencing how people approach dating and relationships. Oona O’Leary, an orthodontist nearing 30, faces a unique problem: her TiMER remains blank, indicating her soulmate hasn’t gotten a TiMER yet.

Oona’s Dating Struggles and Mikey
Oona’s mother pressures her about her blank TiMER, leading her to date men without TiMERs in hopes of triggering a match. However, each attempt fails, intensifying her feelings of loneliness and uncertainty. She meets Mikey, a younger supermarket clerk and musician, whose TiMER is set to go off in four months. Despite the age gap and differing life stages, Oona begins a relationship with Mikey, questioning whether to trust the TiMER or follow her heart.

Steph’s Journey and the Question of Choice
Oona’s stepsister, Steph, works at a retirement home and has a TiMER that won’t activate for many years. Because she’s so far from meeting her match she seeks casual relationships. Later she meets Dan, a widower who doesn’t have a TiMER. Their connection forces her to confront her fear of commitment and consider a future beyond the confines of the TiMER’s prediction. Meanwhile, Oona discovers Mikey’s timer is fake, a development that shakes her trust in the TiMER system.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Oona O’Leary (Emma Caulfield Ford): A single orthodontist nearing 30, Oona is frustrated by her blank TiMER and struggles to find true love in a world governed by predetermined soulmates.
- Brian (Scott Holroyd): Brian is a character of interest to Oona at the begining of the movie because they are trying to find their Timer Soulmate, but does not end up being the one for her.
- Mikey Evers (John Patrick Amedori): A charming young supermarket clerk and musician, Mikey challenges Oona’s faith in the TiMER system and offers her a chance at unconventional romance.
- Steph Depaul (Michelle Borth): Oona’s stepsister, Steph, is a cynical and independent woman whose TiMER is set far in the future, leading her to casual relationships.
- Dan (Desmond Harrington): A widower who does not wear a timer. He is Steph’s love interest, and ends up being Oona’s true love at the end of the movie.
- Marion Depaul (JoBeth Williams): Oona’s and Steph’s mother is an advocate for the TiMER system, having found love with Steph’s father.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Oona: “It’s just, I’m tired of waiting.” – Oona expresses her frustration with waiting for her TiMER to activate and find her soulmate.
- Mikey: “I’m just saying, maybe our lives should have a little bit of mystery.” – Mikey questions the reliance on the TiMER and suggests embracing the unknown in relationships.
- Steph: “The point is, what if love lost all its predictability?” – Steph contemplates how life will be if everything about love changes.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: $46,378
💥 TiMER Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I watched TiMER on a whim, and I was so surprised! The whole idea of a timer that tells you when you’ll meet your soulmate is super cool and a bit scary. I really got into Oona’s struggle with her blank timer; it made me think about how much we rely on finding ‘the one.’ And Mikey? He was so charming! I was totally rooting for them, which is why I was like ‘noooo’ at the ending. I’m still not sure how I feel about it, but it definitely made me think about fate versus free will! It’s worth a watch if you want something quirky and different.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of quirky romantic comedies”
- “Viewers interested in films exploring the impact of technology on relationships”
- “Those who enjoy independent films with thought-provoking themes”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild language”
- “Suggestive themes”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “TiMER’s quirky premise about soulmate-predicting wrist implants is surprisingly thought-provoking. The film explores how technology impacts relationships, offering a unique spin on the rom-com genre. While the ending may divide audiences, the well-written script and charming performances make it a worthwhile watch.
- IndieWire: “A clever blend of sci-fi and romance, TiMER asks big questions about destiny and choice. Emma Caulfield shines as a woman caught between fate and her own desires. Though the film is low-budget, it offers a memorable experience with its inventive concept and sharp dialogue.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “Timer has potential to be good but falls short due to the ending. It’s the classic story of a women who can’t find love and dates someone younger to fill the void. The world seems to have a lot of questions left unanswered after the credits roll. It is not the worst movie to watch but not one to write home about.
Audience Reactions
The unique concept of the ‘TiMER’ and its impact on relationships was a major draw for viewers.: Audiences generally praised the film’s originality and the engaging performances of the lead actors.
Many found the ending controversial, sparking debates about the film’s message on destiny and choice.: Some viewers loved the ending because it was an unexpect twist that fit with the message of the movie, while others hated it
Overall Consensus: TiMER is a quirky, thought-provoking film with a unique premise, but its ending divides viewers. It’s appreciated for its originality and performances, though some find the resolution unsatisfying.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Writer/Director Jac Schaeffer has said the concept of TiMER came to her when she was thinking about how people rely on technology to find love.”
- “The film was shot in Santa Clarita, California, allowing for a suburban feel that emphasizes the societal norms surrounding the TiMER technology.”
- “The different versions of the TiMER seen throughout the film are meant to reflect the evolution of the technology, similar to how cell phones have changed over time.”
- “Andrew Kaiser’s soundtrack incorporates melodies from old music boxes and windup clocks to create a theme that emphasizes the importance of time in the film.”
🖥️ How to Watch TiMER?
As an independent film, ‘TiMER’ may not be readily available on major streaming platforms like Prime Video or Netflix. However, you can check for rental or purchase options on platforms such as Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check Amazon for purchase options.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed TiMER, you might like these similar films:
- (500) Days of Summer (2009): Both films explore unconventional relationships and question traditional romantic comedy tropes.
- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004): Explores themes of love, memory, and the complexities of relationships in a speculative setting.
- Her (2013): A modern take on relationships in a technologically advanced world, examining the nature of connection and love.
- Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012): Deals with the theme of finding love in unusual circumstances with the end of the world approaching.
🛒 TiMER Related Products
- TiMER DVD: Own the movie that explores love in the age of technological determinism. Perfect for fans of indie rom-coms and thought-provoking sci-fi.
- Emma Caulfield Signed Photo: A rare autographed photo of Emma Caulfield, the star of TiMER. A valuable collectible for fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and TiMER.
- Love Algorithm: A Sci-Fi Romance Novel Inspired by TiMER: A novel exploring similar themes of predestined love and technological matchmaking. Explore the ideas further in this captivating story.
- Smartwatch with Countdown Timer App: A high-tech smartwatch featuring a customizable countdown timer app. Recreate the TiMER experience (without the soulmate part!).
🎧 Soundtrack
TiMER features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
A TiMER is a device implanted in a person’s wrist that counts down to the moment they are supposed to meet their soulmate. It’s a widely accepted technology that influences relationships in the film’s society.
Oona’s TiMER is blank because her soulmate has not yet had a TiMER implanted. This presents a unique dilemma as it means her soulmate is either not interested in the technology or unaware of it.
No, Oona does not end up with Mikey. Despite developing a connection with him, her TiMER activates for Dan, her stepsister’s boyfriend.
🔥 Bonus Content
In 2034, Timer Shows When You’ll Meet Ur Soulmate
Ever wondered what the movie TiMER is *actually* about? This video breaks down the whole soulmate-timer concept. Honestly, it’s kinda cool to think about what if this existed!
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