He Could Change the Past

directed by Adrian Teh, is a Malaysian science fiction romantic tragedy that blends time travel with deeply emotional storytelling. Starring Beto Kusyairy as Akid, a grieving father who inherits the ability to travel through time, the film explores the lengths one man will go to rewrite his past and save his family. Unlike typical action-driven time-travel films, Reversi prioritizes emotional resonance, focusing on themes of love, sacrifice, and the painful acceptance that some wounds cannot be healed. The film premiered at the Udine Far East Film Festival in 2024 and has since been praised for its poignant storytelling and cultural authenticity.

📖 Plot Overview: A Father’s Desperate Quest to Rewrite the Past

Akid (Beto Kusyairy) is a police officer and negotiator who inherits a unique ability from his family: the power to travel through time. This gift, however, comes at a terrible cost—each journey through time shortens his lifespan. After a tragic accident claims the lives of his wife and son, Akid becomes consumed by grief and obsession. Determined to undo the past, he uses his ability to revisit key moments in his life, hoping to alter the course of events and save his family.

As Akid jumps between past and present, he confronts the consequences of his actions, realizing that changing fate is far more complicated than he imagined. His journey forces him to relive not only the joy of his family’s love but also the pain of their loss. The film’s climax poses a heartbreaking question: Is it better to cling to the past or find the strength to accept what cannot be changed?

💡 Interesting Facts
- Reversi was inspired by time-travel films like The Time Traveler’s Wife and About Time, but Adrian Teh wanted to create a story that felt distinctly Malaysian.
- The film premiered at the Udine Far East Film Festival in Italy, where it was the only Malaysian film selected for the competition section.
- Adrian Teh also makes a cameo appearance in the film as an aikido instructor.
- The screenplay was co-written by Adrian Teh and Nazifdin Nasrudin, and it underwent significant revisions to ensure the story felt fresh and original.
🎬 Hold on;
Reversi is a bold and heartfelt film that transcends its sci-fi premise to deliver a deeply human story about love, loss, and acceptance. While it may not be perfect—its tonal shifts and pacing can be uneven—its emotional resonance and cultural authenticity make it a standout in Malaysian cinema. For viewers who appreciate character-driven dramas with a touch of sci-fi, Reversi is a must-watch. It’s a film that lingers in the heart long after the story ends, leaving audiences to ponder the question: What would you sacrifice to change the past?