Hulu’s "In the Blink of an Eye" is a bold, time-hopping space sci-fi drama from Oscar-winner Andrew Stanton, weaving together humanity’s past, present, and far future in a visually ambitious meditation on survival, connection, and the fate of our species.

If you’re a space sci-fi fan craving something that breaks the mould, Hulu’s upcoming original film In the Blink of an Eye is about to land on your watchlist. Directed by Andrew Stanton—the Pixar legend behind "WALL-E" and "Finding Nemo"—this genre-bending epic is set to stream from 27 February 2026, following its world premiere at Sundance, where it scooped the Alfred P. Sloan Prize for its science-driven storytelling.

A Sci-Fi Triptych: Plot and Premise

In the Blink of an Eye is not your typical linear narrative. Instead, it’s a triptych: three interwoven stories that span thousands of years. The film opens in the Middle Paleolithic era, following a Neanderthal family as they struggle for survival and meaning in a harsh, primordial world. Fast-forward to the present, and we meet Claire (Rashida Jones), a driven anthropologist grappling with a personal crisis while unearthing ancient fossils that may rewrite the story of human origins.

The depth and breath that the film spans begins with the Neanderthal family story. Image credit: TMDB

The final thread leaps into the far future, where astronaut Coakley (Kate McKinnon) is alone on a deep-space mission, tasked with shepherding the seeds of humanity to a new world after Earth’s collapse. What binds these stories is a single, symbolic object—an acorn—passed down through generations, a subtle but powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of all life. The film’s central question: how do we find hope and meaning in the face of extinction, loss, and the unknown?

Coakley (Kate McKinnon) during her space mission to find a new home for humanity. Image credit: TMDB

Trailer Breakdown: A Glimpse Across Millennia

The recently released trailer sets the tone with sweeping visuals and a haunting score. We see the Neanderthal family’s struggle, Claire’s scientific quest, and Coakley’s lonely voyage through the stars. The trailer’s dialogue—“Life seems so improbable, and then it all makes sense looking back”—captures the film’s reflective, philosophical mood.

IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE | Official Trailer. By Searchlight Pictures. From @searchlightpictures

Visually, the trailer is a feast: prehistoric landscapes, modern labs, and dazzling shots of interstellar travel. The special effects are understated but effective, blending practical and digital elements to create a sense of wonder and scale. The trailer’s release has sparked debate among fans and critics, with some praising its ambition and others questioning its narrative cohesion.

The Visionaries Behind the Film

Andrew Stanton’s return to live-action filmmaking is a major event for space sci-fi fans. Stanton, whose "WALL-E" is a modern classic of the genre, brings his signature blend of emotional storytelling and speculative wonder to this project. The script, by Colby Day (whose work on "Spaceman" and "For All Mankind" has earned critical acclaim), was a 2017 Black List favourite and is lauded for its philosophical depth and narrative ambition.

Stanton describes the film as “a triptych, and it’s how we’re all connected,” inspired by the John Lennon quote,

“Life’s what happens while you’re busy making other plans”.

The production team includes Jared Ian Goldman ("Ingrid Goes West"), cinematographer Ole Birkeland, and composer Thomas Newman, whose haunting score elevates the film’s emotional resonance.

Star Power: The Cast

The ensemble cast is a major draw. Kate McKinnon, best known for her comedic brilliance on "Saturday Night Live," takes a dramatic turn as Coakley, the film’s future astronaut. Rashida Jones ("Parks and Recreation," "Black Mirror") anchors the present-day storyline, while Tony and Grammy winner Daveed Diggs ("Hamilton," "Snowpiercer") brings gravitas as Claire’s colleague and confidant.

The present day story of Claire (Rashida Jones) and Greg (Daveed Diggs) bridges the past and future elements of the plot. Image credit: TMDB

Supporting roles include Jorge Vargas and Tanaya Beatty as the Neanderthal parents, Skywalker Hughes as their daughter, and Karin Konoval ("Planet of the Apes") in a pivotal supporting role.

Critical Reception, Awards, and Trivia

Premiering at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, In the Blink of an Eye won the Alfred P. Sloan Prize for its science-based storytelling—a major accolade for any space sci-fi film. However, early reviews have been mixed to negative. Rotten Tomatoes currently lists a brutal 16% approval rating, with critics divided over the film’s structure and emotional impact, while others praise its visuals and score.

Behind the scenes, the film’s production was a feat of creative collaboration, with principal photography taking place in Vancouver and a script that spent years in development after making the Black List. Stanton and his team have spoken openly about the challenges and joys of bringing such a sprawling vision to life, especially after pandemic delays.

“I do hope that it gives people a little bit of a hopeful feeling about humanity.” — Daveed Diggs

Why It Matters for Space Sci-Fi

"In the Blink of an Eye" is a rare beast: a space sci-fi film that dares to ask big questions about life, death, and the ties that bind us across time and space. Whether you’re drawn to its prehistoric drama, present-day mystery, or interstellar adventure, this is a film that rewards curiosity and reflection.

Prepare to journey from the dawn of humanity to the edge of the cosmos—stream "In the Blink of an Eye" on Hulu from 27 February 2026.

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