In a time where the world is in chaos and everything we watch on our screens is GO-GO-Go with no slowing down in sight sometimes we need a reminder to stop, take in, and appreciate our surroundings. The new book and film by Lev Grossman (The Magicians), The Map of Tiny Perfect Things, coming to Amazon Prime is that reminder.

Another Time Loop Movie?!?

Directed by Ian Samuels (Sierra Burgess Is a Loser) and starring Kathryn Newton (Supernatural), Kyle Allen (American Horror Story), and Jermaine Harris (Ballers) comes the story of Mark and Margaret, two teens stuck in a time loop who take notice of these perfect moments turning them into a Map of their daily lives. However, this story is about so much more than a teen romance.

Coming from Lev Grossman, and being a huge Magicians fan, I wasn’t sure how this movie was going to resolve. I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised. There’s no traditional magic, per se, but it’s more so about finding the everyday magic that life and the world have to offer. I appreciated that the writing doesn’t look down upon teenagers or turn their trauma into a joke. I also enjoyed that this film wasn’t a traditional love story, but a story of self-love that happens to have a love story within it.

If you’ve ever been a teenager, if you’ve ever had a moment in your life where you don’t know the right choice to make, or even find it difficult to make the choice to move forward, then this movie is for you. Mark and Margaret embark on their personal journeys of self-discovery and sonder eventually learning the larger lessons that the world doesn’t revolve around them, and that making the choice to leave “neverland” isn’t always easy, but definitely necessary. We all need support, and it’s okay to ask for help. 

Kathryn and Kyle are fantastic in their roles and their chemistry is phenomenal. I loved every moment of them on screen together. However, the unsung hero of this film, for me, was Mark’s friend Kyle (Harris). He is the real MVP of friendship. Every day, unknownst to him, Mark comes to him to talk out the time loop. Henry has zero judgment, doesn’t think his friend is insane, or even questions him – he just listens. Now, I can’t say I would do the same, but we all need a friend like Henry in our lives.

Is It Worth A Watch?

I know there are lots of options for everyone to enjoy coming out for Valentines’ Day, but The Map of Tiny Perfect Things should 1000% be on everyone’s list to watch and enjoy.