It’s time to lose your sense of your reality in the latest time loop romantic comedy, something we’ve seen before so if it feels familiar that’s why.  But it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t see the film. What we find out is sometimes life doesn’t go according to plan and life takes you by surprise, sweeping you up into a never-ending whirlwind of predictability and unpredictability.

The film captures the innocence of young love, taking risks and encourages the questioning of our actions and our feelings. Mark is surprised and elated when he stumbles upon Margaret one day at the pool, someone who is also subjected to his same Groundhog Day reality. They are stuck in the same parallel world, that despite their efforts to do things differently or observe patterns- they wake up every day and it’s the same day yet again. Together, they search for answers in their everyday surroundings to piece together structure in the chaos of uncertainty for what the future could hold or never become.

The whimsical pair of protagonists consult a map that Mark drew containing all of the perfect occurrences in the time they are suspended in and continue onwards to discover the missing cog to unveil a different outcome.  It’s sweet in a way. Aspiring artist, Mark experiences a lot of growth as a character, realizing true altruism and self-awareness throughout the film. He learns to be humble and not judge people by face value since you never know what personal thing they may be going through. He adapts a new approach to his everyday with mindfulness about the boundaries of others and starts seeing things in a new perspective. By giving space to others when they need it, it can allow things to flourish and grow. Margaret is a clever and inquisitive gal, not easily swayed by Mark’s attempts to romance her but seems open-minded to get to know him since they are both stranded in this endless reality. She has her reasons for creating space, for she is experiencing great hardships with processing grief involving her mother. The characters are good and the performances are well done, that’s one thing the film has going for it.

The Map of Tiny Perfect Things, it’s a playful, light-hearted and whimsical film about what the patterns in life may mean, happenstance encounters, and the butterfly effect of our actions.  The smallest of things can release a non-linear impact on a complex system. Everything happens for a reason and provides a learning opportunity. It creates a thematic pursuit of how analyzing patterns and everyday musings can give life new meaning and hidden purposes, but it’s not enough to make a great film.  It’s an average film at best since it is abundant with altogether too many cringingly clichés, cheesy moments and not as much plot buildup or characterization of the main characters.  Nor is this film unique and original,  but even average films can be worth checking out on streaming services