Groundhog day is a 1993 movie starring Bill Murray; while it is certainly not the first in its genre, considering previous iterations especially in literature (most notably the ones that emerged in Japan), it is amongst the most iconic movies to feature the time-loop trope. This story archetype relies on re-living the same day over and over again in a loop, for whatever MacGuffin of a reason, until there is a change either within the protagonists themselves or within their circumstances (in ‘gamer’ terms: it is the roguelike genre applied to a movie).
The plot is not important, but there are certain themes that emerge and I think are worth considering.
What would someone do if they would be condemned to relive the same day over and over again, probably for eternity?
The movie does portray the initial bafflement to a similar circumstances, but soon afterwards it moves on and considers the actions and re-actions of the protagonist. While initially there is awe and joy in the fact that there are no consequences in a world where there is no tomorrow, it is also true that there is a hidden dreaded dimension (although it is less emphasized considering that it is a movie meant for families). The ensuing weariness of not being able to move forward with one’s life, the awareness of being trapped in a time standstill and the claustrophobia of endlessness eventually lead the protagonist to try to end his life countless times in whatever way possible. It is the desperation of preferring a certain ending rather than being forced to live a timeless standstill. This nihilistic approach is only partially portrayed but it does arise further issues.
What would someone do with endless time?
The protagonist, after probably years of the same loop, eventually learns to do a plethora of things that were not even in his interests, from literature to playing the piano to ice sculpting. There is something more to be seen here: from one point of view, there is the fact that as human beings our potential is unlimited, halted only by our lack of time. Hence, during our limited lives we are forced to make choices based on the awareness that those days will eventually end. In my opinion, it is however useful to emphasize that the potential is still there, but it is only up to us to choose what to do with it.
The movie eventually takes a more wholesome and romantic approach and the story has a happy ending. It is a classic, although probably for a newer generation it would not come as a surprise; recent movies that come to mind and that used the same trope are for instance Palm springs (for comedy), Boss Level (for action) or Edge of tomorrow (for ‘cruising’), but there are certainly many more examples.
I would give this movie a solid 5 out of 10 time loops.