Despite being underrated upon release in 2011, Justin Timberlake and Cillian Murphy’s film In Time is earning newfound recognition among Netflix viewers for its eerily accurate predictions about the future.
But first… Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears had a turbulent relationship
Following the release of the pop star’s memoir, The Woman In Me, fans have gotten to learn even more about her previous relationship with Justin Timberlake.
Even though their coupledom ended more than two decades ago, new details about their time together–and their breakup–were revealed in Spears’ book.
Timberlake got the brunt of the backlash
While there were a lot of interesting, never-before-heard tidbits in Britney’s book, it’s safe to say fans were most invested in her time with Justin.
The couple dated from 1999 to 2002, and after their split, Timberlake famously wrote his hit, “Cry Me A River” about his ex-girlfriend.
New details about their relationship broke the internet
Because of the descriptive lyrics in “Cry Me A River,” fans already knew that Spears allegedly cheated on her then-boyfriend with choreographer Wade Robson, which she confirmed in the memoir.
“[Wade and I] were out one night and we went to a Spanish bar. We danced and danced. I made out with him that night,” Spears wrote of Robson. Britney said she was “loyal to Justin” throughout their relationship “with that one exception.”
But Spears also alleges that Justin cheated
Ultimately, Justin and Britney “agreed to move past” her infidelity, but she also accused him of cheating on her throughout their time together.
She didn’t name “another celebrity” that he allegedly slept, saying that woman is now “married with children.”
Spears also revealed that she was pregnant with Timberlake’s child
The bombshell that probably got the most publicity, though, was Britney revealing that she and Justin got pregnant during their time together. Ultimately, they agreed to get an abortion because he thought they were “way too young” to have a kid.
“I always expected us to have a family together one day,” Spears wrote in her memoir. “This would just be much earlier than I’d anticipated. But Justin definitely wasn’t happy about the pregnancy. … If it had been left up to me alone, I never would have done it. And yet Justin was so sure that he didn’t want to be a father.”
Then comes the backlash…
Because of Britney’s declaration that she never would have gotten an abortion on her own, many fans blamed Justin for their baby that never was.
As a result, the “Mirrors” singer has been getting his fair share of hate on the internet in the weeks following Spears’ reveal, causing him to keep quiet on social media
Justin’s night out
On Wednesday, November 15, Timberlake was seen publicly for the first time since Britney’s abortion bombshell, attending the Trolls: Band Together premiere in Los Angeles.
Along with his wife, Jessica Biel, by his side, Justin was also joined by his *NSYNC bandmates Joey Fatone, JC Chasez, Lance Bass, and Chris Kirkpatrick.
Timberlake plays one of the main characters in the film
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Justin was at the premiere, as he plays one of the main characters in the film, Branch. His recently reunited bandmates are also in the movie, with Fatone playing Ablaze, JC Chasez as Hype, Lance Bass as Boom, and Chris Kirkpatrick playing Trickee.
He also posed with one of his big-name costars
Despite the backlash Justin has been getting recently, his Trolls costar, Anna Kendrick, didn’t hesitate to pose for pictures next to him.
Spirits looked high as Timberlake stood next to Kendrick, Biel, and his bandmates for multiple photo ops, proving the public perception isn’t interfering with his career.
One of Justin’s bandmates comes to his defense
Lance Bass recently talked about the situation to TMZ, hoping that people can keep Spears and Timberlake’s relationship in the past and forgive Justin for his mistakes.
“Everyone has their own opinion,” he told the outlet. “I just feel like the world is so full of hate right now that we need to practice a little forgiveness. Britney did, so let’s take a note from her.”
Still, the backlash hasn’t stopped
Both Justin and his wife ended up turning off the comments on their Instagram accounts, clearly upset with the amount of negativity being brought to their social media pages.
But, the show must go on, and their appearance at the premiere is proof that they’re putting the negativity behind them to continue their lives as normal.
Still one of the most iconic couples of all time
Regardless of what happened during their time together, it’s safe to say many fans are still obsessed with Britney, Justin, and what happened when they were together.
Spears’ memoir also claimed that Timberlake broke up with her via text message, but since the book’s release, he has yet to publicly responded to the claims and ensuing backlash.
In Time, a sci-fi thriller set in a dystopian future, presents a world where time is the most valuable currency.Â
Once individuals reach 25 years, their ageing process halts, but they are engineered to live only for one additional year.
The rich, however, can extend their lives indefinitely, creating a stark divide between the affluent and the deprived.
Justin Timberlake plays Will Salas, a man from the impoverished class who never has more than a day’s worth of life left on his time clock.Â
On the other side of the spectrum is Cillian Murphy’s character Raymond Leon, a timekeeper employed by the elites to maintain the status quo.
The Premise that Predicted the Future
Several Netflix viewers are of the opinion that In Time has indirectly forecasted the future.Â
From the prevalent wealth disparity to the commodification of time, the film’s themes resonate with contemporary societal issues.
“In a world where we already say ‘time is money’, this is a perfect analogy,” one viewer commented.
The Performances: Justin Timberlake and Cillian Murphy Shine
Despite the film’s mixed reviews, both Timberlake and Murphy received praise for their roles.Â
Timberlake, known primarily for his musical prowess, delivered a commendable performance as the desperate protagonist, while Murphy, the Peaky Blinders star, was lauded for his portrayal of the ruthless timekeeper.
The Reception: Underappreciated Upon Release
Despite grossing a substantial $174 million against a $40 million budget, In Time received a lukewarm critical response.
It currently holds a 37 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 51 percent audience score. However, its recent resurgence on Netflix suggests that viewers’ appreciation for the film’s innovative concept and social commentary has grown over time.
A Rediscovered Classic on Netflix
In Time is now available on Netflix, offering viewers a chance to appreciate this underappreciated gem.Â
For those who enjoy thought-provoking sci-fi thrillers with standout performances, In Time is a film worth investing your time in.
Beyond ‘In Time’: Justin Timberlake and Cillian Murphy’s Other Noteworthy Roles
Justin Timberlake and Cillian Murphy’s collaboration in In Time is not the only highlight of their respective careers.
Timberlake has established himself as a versatile performer, balancing a successful music career with notable roles in films like The Social Network and Trolls.Â
Cillian Murphy, on the other hand, has an impressive acting portfolio, including his critically acclaimed role in Peaky Blinders and his performances in Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk and Inception.
‘In Time’ – A Must-Watch on Netflix
In Time is more than just a sci-fi thriller; it’s a social commentary that eerily mirrors our current reality.Â
With captivating performances from Justin Timberlake and Cillian Murphy, it’s a film that deserves a second look.
So, if you’re in the mood for a movie that combines action, suspense, and thought-provoking themes, make sure to add In Time to your Netflix watchlist.