🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Stefon Bristol
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller, Action, Adventure
- Release year: 2019
- Runtime (length): 1h 24min
- IMDb rating: 5.3/10 (13K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 73%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A girl keeps going back in time to throw a slushie, but also maybe to save her brother from getting shot by police… mostly the slushie, though.
🍿 See You Yesterday: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction of C.J. and Sebastian
C.J. Walker and Sebastian Thomas are two brilliant high school students in Brooklyn who have dedicated their time to building functional time machines disguised as backpacks. Their passion project stems from their shared love for science and a desire to push the boundaries of what’s possible. They spend countless hours tinkering and refining their invention, overcoming obstacles with their ingenuity.

Calvin’s Tragic Death
C.J.’s world is shattered when her brother, Calvin, is wrongfully killed by a police officer. Devastated by the injustice and loss, C.J. is consumed by grief and a burning desire to undo the tragic event. The incident highlights the tension between the community and law enforcement, and adds emotional weight to the protagonists’ actions. C.J. sees time travel as her only way to bring Calvin back.

First Attempts to Alter the Past
Driven by desperation, C.J. and Sebastian use their time machines to go back and try to prevent Calvin’s death. However, their initial attempts are clumsy, and they quickly learn that changing the past is far more complex than they anticipated. They encounter unforeseen consequences and realize that even small actions can have significant and unintended repercussions on the timeline.

Escalating Consequences
As C.J. and Sebastian continue their desperate attempts to save Calvin, the timeline becomes increasingly distorted. The more they interfere, the more difficult it becomes to fix the situation, leading to a series of escalating and tragic outcomes. The stakes are raised as the characters realize the potential for irreversible damage and the heavy responsibility that comes with manipulating time.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- C.J. Walker (Eden Duncan-Smith): A teenage science prodigy who invents a time machine to try and save her brother from being killed.
- Sebastian Thomas (Dante Crichlow): C.J.’s best friend and fellow science prodigy who helps her build and use the time machine.
- Calvin Walker (Astro): C.J.’s brother, whose death sets the events of the film in motion, prompting C.J. to attempt time travel.
- Phaedra (Marsha Stephanie Blake): C.J. and Calvin’s mother, who is dealing with the grief of losing her son.
- Mr. Lockhart (Michael J. Fox): A science teacher at C.J. and Sebastian’s school.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- C.J. Walker: “I love you, black man.” – A heartfelt declaration of affection between C.J. and Sebastian, representing their bond and shared identity.
- Sebastian Thomas: “I love you too, black woman.” – Sebastian’s reciprocation emphasizes their deep connection amid the chaos of time travel.
- Mr. Lockhart: “(Reading from ‘Kindred’ by Octavia Butler) …about an African-American woman who travels back in time to pre-Civil War America…” – Mr. Lockhart’s book adds a thematic parallel about the historical injustice and oppression faced by African-Americans.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: N/A
💥 See You Yesterday Reviews
Personal Review
As a huge time travel fan, I went in with high hopes, but left feeling somewhat frustrated. The acting was great and the initial concept intriguing, but the ending felt abrupt and unresolved. I loved the nod to ‘Back to the Future’ with Michael J. Fox’s cameo. Overall, I would’ve enjoyed a movie that actually concludes!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of time travel movies”
- “Viewers interested in social justice themes”
- “Those who appreciate films with diverse casts”
- “People who enjoy science fiction with a grounded, realistic feel”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence”
- “Police brutality”
- “Strong language”
- “Themes of death and grief”
Professional Reviews
- IMDB: “Stefon Bristol delivers a compelling narrative that intertwines the complexities of time travel with the realities of social injustice. This film is worth watching, but do not expect a Hollywood style perfect ending.
- Nerdly: ““See You Yesterday” is a solid feature film that tackles a very controversial subject in the USA. With fun time travel moments and well-written characters, this is a film that will split people, but it is also one you will remember long after the credits role.
Audience Reactions
Some viewers found the ending unsatisfying and abrupt.: Many praised the time travel concept and the young actors’ performances.
Several viewers felt the movie was preachy and on-the-nose with it’s political message: Several others praised the social commentary on the black lives matter movement.
Overall Consensus: Mixed to negative reviews due to abrupt ending and obvious political message
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Michael J. Fox, who plays Mr. Lockhart, is a nod to the time travel classic ‘Back to the Future’, adding a layer of meta-commentary to the film’s themes.”
- “The film directly addresses themes of police brutality and racial injustice, using the sci-fi element of time travel as a vehicle to explore these real-world issues.”
- “The choice to set the film in Brooklyn, NY, specifically Bainbridge Street, adds a grounded, authentic feel to the story, reflecting the realities faced by the characters.”
🖥️ How to Watch See You Yesterday?
See You Yesterday is currently available for streaming on Netflix. Rental or purchase options may be available on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your preferred digital retailer for availability and pricing.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed See You Yesterday, you might like these similar films:
- Looper (2012): Explores the consequences of time travel and altering the past with a focus on action and suspense.
- Back to the Future (1985): A classic time travel adventure that serves as a key inspiration, featuring a similar youthful protagonist and a journey through time.
- 12:01 PM (1990): Short film about a man reliving the same day, similar to the time loop aspect of ‘See You Yesterday’.
- Groundhog Day (1993): Features a character trapped in a time loop, forced to confront their actions and make different choices, offering a similar thematic exploration of consequences.
🛒 See You Yesterday Related Products
- Back to the Future Trilogy [Blu-ray]: Enjoy the time-travel classic that inspired ‘See You Yesterday’ with this pristine Blu-ray edition. Relive the adventure and groundbreaking effects that set the standard for time travel movies.
- LEGO Back to the Future Time Machine: Build your own DeLorean time machine with this detailed LEGO set. Perfect for displaying your love for time travel movies. This is a 3 in 1 set, with the ability to build the Delorean time machine in all 3 variations.
- Black Lives Matter Graphic T-Shirt: Show your support for the Black Lives Matter movement with this meaningful T-shirt. A portion of proceeds goes to support organizations fighting for social justice.
🎧 Soundtrack
See You Yesterday 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
See You Yesterday is a science fiction film about two teenage prodigies who invent time travel to try and save one of their brothers from being wrongfully killed by the police. It explores themes of grief, injustice, and the consequences of altering the past.
No, See You Yesterday is a fictional story, although it touches on real-world issues such as police brutality and racial injustice.
Stefon Bristol directed See You Yesterday. Spike Lee served as a producer on the film.
🔥 Bonus Content
See You Yesterday 2019 (Michael J. Fox Scene)
Remember Michael J. Fox? He makes a cameo in See You Yesterday! It’s a quick but cool scene and definitely worth a watch for any Back to the Future fan.
SEE YOU YESTERDAY Ending and Time Travel Explained!
Confused by the ending of See You Yesterday? This video breaks down all the time travel rules and explains that wild ending in a way that actually makes sense! I wish I had watched this *before* I saw the movie!
Netflix Gems No One Is Talking About
Looking for something new to watch? This video lists some hidden Netflix gems, including See You Yesterday! It’s a great way to discover some seriously underrated movies that you probably wouldn’t find otherwise. They have great taste in movies!
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