Momo and The Time Thieves (PG)

Martin Freeman controls time in this sentimental fantasy boasting not-so-distant futuristic threats.

In this glossy take on Michael Ende’s 1973 novel about the preciousness of time, an enigmatic red-haired girl named Momo (Alexa Goodall) lives inside the amphitheatre of an unnamed European city. Locals take an interest in Momo given her special talent for listening to people. When someone confides in her, the speaker feels magically compelled to be truthful. Momo’s abilities serve as the vehicle for her to learn the Grey corporation’s villainous plans.

Those who work for Grey are “time thieves,” otherworldly entities that rely on stealing hours from humans to live. All the time saved, they think, will accumulate for them to spend it with their loved ones or pursue their passions later in life. Partway through, Momo travels to an alternate reality to meet Master Hora (Freeman), a benevolent magician who discloses a bit more exposition in the form of narration throughout the adventure.

Momo acts as a cautionary tale about how modern economic systems demand productivity and consumption, while robbing the masses of the space to chase fulfilment during their all-too-finite lives.