The Butterfly Effect (2004) is a psychological thriller and science fiction film directed by Eric Bress and J. Mackye Gruber, starring Ashton Kutcher as Evan Treborn, a young man who discovers he has the ability to travel back in time and change the events of his past.

The film explores the concept of the “butterfly effect,” the idea that small actions can lead to drastic, unforeseen consequences in the future.

Evan suffers from blackouts during traumatic events in his childhood, but as he grows older, he finds that by reading his journals, he can transport his consciousness back in time to those pivotal moments and alter them.

Initially, Evan believes he can improve his life and the lives of his friends—Kayleigh (Amy Smart), Lenny (Elden Henson), and Tommy (William Lee Scott)—by correcting past mistakes. However, each time he changes the past, it creates unintended and often tragic outcomes in the present, leading to increasingly devastating consequences for everyone involved.

As Evan continues to manipulate time, he struggles with the moral and emotional weight of his decisions, realizing that no matter how hard he tries, he may not be able to create the perfect outcome. The film delves into themes of fate, free will, and the long-lasting impact of trauma.

The Butterfly Effect is known for its dark, mind-bending narrative and complex, non-linear structure. Despite receiving mixed critical reviews, it gained a cult following for its thought-provoking premise and exploration of time travel’s ethical implications.