Movie Discovery of the Day: Time Out (2025) by Fèlix Colomer
- dailyentertainment95
- 2 minutes ago
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Link Review: https://en.ara.cat/misc/the-six-plot-twists-of-the-barca-player-who-was-presumed-dead-for-40-years_130_5324246.html
Link to watch: https://pro.festivalscope.com/film/time-out-1
"Time Out (2025)" by Fèlix Colomer: The Extraordinary Resurrection of Charles Thomas
"Time Out" (original title: "Temps mort"), directed by the acclaimed Catalan documentary filmmaker Fèlix Colomer, is a compelling feature-length documentary set for release in 2025. The film unravels the astonishing true story of Charles Thomas, a legendary American basketball player who vanished without a trace in 1980 and was presumed dead for four decades before his miraculous reappearance.
About Movie (Detailed Summary)
The documentary "Time Out" delves into the mysterious disappearance and unexpected reappearance of Charles Thomas, an American basketball star who left an indelible mark on the Spanish basketball league in the late 1960s and early 1970s, playing for teams like San José de Badalona, FC Barcelona, and Manresa. At the height of his career, after being the top scorer in the Spanish league for two consecutive seasons, Thomas vanished overnight in 1980, leaving behind his family and a bewildered sports world. For 40 years, he was presumed dead, with no contact or information about his whereabouts. The film chronicles the comprehensive investigation led by journalist Carlos Jiménez, whose work ultimately led to the discovery of Thomas alive in a nursing home in Amarillo, Texas, around 2021. The documentary explores the "six twists worthy of a movie script" that characterized Thomas's life after his disappearance, including the hardships he faced, which resulted in the amputation of both his legs. Through interviews with Thomas himself, his son Carlos, former teammates like Norman Carmichael, Manolo Flores, and Aíto García Reneses, and potentially other individuals connected to his life, the film reconstructs his past, the circumstances of his disappearance, and the impact his absence had on his family who had long grieved his presumed death. "Time Out" promises an emotional and compelling narrative that examines the hidden aspects of Thomas's life, including challenging issues like domestic abuse, and seeks to understand the factors that led to the derailment of a seemingly brilliant career and decades spent in oblivion.
Plot Summary
The documentary investigates the true story of American basketball star Charles Thomas, who disappeared in Spain in 1980 and was presumed dead for 40 years before being found alive in the US, exploring the mystery of his vanishing and the challenging life he lived during his absence.
Director's Vision
Fèlix Colomer, known for his documentaries that often explore complex human stories and social issues with a sensitive and in-depth approach (such as "Sasha," "Shootball," and the series "Vitals" and "The Lives of Fèlix"), directs "Time Out." His vision for this film is to unravel the captivating mystery of Charles Thomas's disappearance while also delving into the profound human story behind it. Working closely with journalist and screenwriter Carlos Jiménez, who conducted the extensive investigation, Colomer aims to present the multiple layers and unexpected turns of Thomas's life with nuance and empathy. The documentary seeks to go beyond the sensational aspects of the story to explore the impact of Thomas's disappearance on his family and friends, and to understand the personal struggles and decisions that led to his four decades of being lost to the world. Colomer's background suggests a commitment to a rigorous documentary approach, utilizing interviews and potentially archival material to piece together this extraordinary narrative and offer a compelling portrait of a life lived on the fringes.
Themes
Disappearance and Mystery: The central theme revolves around the unexplained vanishing of a public figure.
The Impact of Absence: The film explores the long-term effects of a loved one being missing and presumed dead on their family and friends.
Resurrection and Second Chances: Charles Thomas's reappearance offers a narrative of a life unexpectedly regained.
The Dark Side of Success: The documentary delves into the personal struggles and issues that may have contributed to the decline of Thomas's promising career.
Trauma and Hardship: The film touches upon the difficult experiences Thomas faced during his 40 years in obscurity.
Memory and Reconciliation: The process of reconnecting with the past and its impact on the present is a key element.
The Power of Investigation: The film highlights the role of journalism in uncovering hidden truths.
Key Success Factors
"Time Out" has several potential key success factors:
Fascinating True Story: The mystery of Charles Thomas's disappearance and reappearance is inherently compelling and has already generated media interest.
Acclaimed Documentary Filmmaker: Fèlix Colomer's reputation for crafting impactful documentaries lends credibility and draws interest.
Human Interest Narrative: The film offers a deeply human story of loss, survival, and unexpected reunion.
Sports Connection: The subject's background as a basketball star will appeal to sports enthusiasts.
Journalistic Foundation: Being based on a thorough investigation provides a strong narrative basis.
Theatrical Distribution in Spain: A confirmed theatrical release indicates confidence in the film's appeal to a wider audience.
Summary Short
"Time Out (2025)" by Fèlix Colomer is a documentary about the true story of former basketball star Charles Thomas, who disappeared in 1980 and was presumed dead for 40 years before being found alive, exploring his vanishing and the life he lived in obscurity.
Critics Reception
La Opinión de Málaga: Félix Colomer’s film “resucita” Charles Thomas forty years after his public “death,” offering an unflinching look at his brilliance and downfall. Audiences shift “de odiarlo a quererlo, a sentir compasión” as the documentary unfolds.
Calle 1 (Pedro Delgado Fernández): Describes the film as 82 minutes that “al principio parecía un biopic, acaba tornándose en un inquietante y sorprendente thriller,” praising its “giros de guión que demuestran que la realidad supera a la ficción” and likening its emotional impact to Searching for Sugar Man.
Overall Summary: Critics applaud Time Out for transcending sports lore to become a universal story about fame, loss, and the power of human resilience, combining investigative urgency with cinematic flair.
Reviews
IMDb User Reviews: One viewer writes, “I’ve seen this film twice, and it held up both times—each watch revealing ‘beautifully heartbreaking moments’ I missed before.”
Festivalgoers (San Sebastián, DocsBarcelona): Audiences note that the film “sparks conversations about how we remember our icons” and commend its narrative tension.
Overall Summary: Both critics and viewers respond to the film’s blend of mystery and empathy, praising its ability to keep audiences invested while shedding light on a forgotten sports legend.
Box Office
Time Out received a limited theatrical release in Spain in March 2025 (Festival de Málaga) and continues its run in arthouse cinemas. It has also been licensed to Spanish network TV and is expected to debut on national streaming platforms in late 2025.
Production
"Time Out (2025)" is a Spanish documentary film directed by Fèlix Colomer Vallès and written by Carlos Jiménez. It is produced by 3Cat and El Terrat (The Mediapro Studio). The film centers on the true story of Charles Thomas and features interviews with individuals connected to him. The runtime is stated as 100 minutes (or potentially 81 minutes in one source; 100 minutes is likely the feature length) and it may also be presented as a 2-part series for television (2 x 50'). The primary language is likely Spanish/Catalan and English, with Catalan audio mentioned for sales.
Production Companies
3Cat: (Country: Spain) - Production company.
El Terrat (The Mediapro Studio): (Country: Spain) - Production company.
Sales Companies
Information regarding a specific international sales company for "Time Out (2025)" beyond its distribution in Spain is not explicitly available in the provided search snippets. However, 3Cat's sales division handles the international distribution rights.
Distribution Companies
A Contracorriente Films: (Country: Spain) - Theatrical distributor in Spain.
3Cat: (Country: Spain) - Handles international distribution rights.
Information regarding distribution in other territories is not yet available.
Release Date on Streaming
As of late April 2025, there is no publicly available information about the release date of "Time Out (2025)" on streaming platforms. Streaming availability will depend on future distribution deals after its theatrical window.
Theatrical Release
"Time Out (2025)" is scheduled for a theatrical release in Spain in 2025, distributed by A Contracorriente Films.
Why to Recommend This Movie
Incredible True Story: The mystery of Charles Thomas's disappearance and reappearance is a truly compelling and unique event.
Award-Winning Director: Fèlix Colomer's track record in documentary filmmaking suggests a sensitive and well-crafted approach.
Deeply Human Narrative: The film explores themes of loss, survival, and the impact of long-term absence on a family.
Fascinating Look at a Sports Figure: Appeals to those interested in basketball history and the lives of athletes.
Based on Thorough Investigation: The film is rooted in credible journalistic work.
Why to Watch Movie
Interest in Documentaries: If you enjoy non-fiction storytelling that explores real-life mysteries and human experiences.
For Fans of True Stories: The film presents a remarkable and almost unbelievable true account.
If You Are Interested in the Intersection of Sports and Life: The documentary goes beyond basketball to explore the personal struggles of an athlete.
To See a Film About Resilience and Survival: Charles Thomas's story is one of surviving against the odds.
Appreciation for Investigative Journalism: The film highlights the process of uncovering a long-lost truth.
What Movie Trend film is following
"Time Out" aligns with the strong and ongoing trend of documentary films focused on compelling true stories, particularly those involving mysteries, disappearances, and unexpected outcomes. It fits within the subgenre of sports documentaries that delve into the lives of athletes beyond their careers, often exploring personal challenges and historical context. The film's basis in investigative journalism also connects it to the trend of documentary filmmaking rooted in factual investigation.
What Big Social Trend is following
The film touches upon social themes related to the human cost of hardship, addiction, and personal struggles that can lead to individuals becoming lost to society. It also implicitly engages with the impact of disappearance and unresolved loss on families and the process of grieving someone who is not confirmed to be deceased. The story of Charles Thomas's reappearance can also resonate with broader discussions about resilience and the potential for rediscovery even after decades of being missing.
Final Verdict
"Time Out (2025)" by Fèlix Colomer promises a remarkable and deeply human documentary experience. By uncovering the almost unbelievable true story of basketball player Charles Thomas's 40-year disappearance and subsequent reappearance, the film taps into a narrative filled with mystery, hardship, and unexpected turns. With Colomer's proven ability to handle complex subjects with sensitivity and the foundation of a thorough journalistic investigation, the documentary is poised to be a compelling watch. For audiences interested in true stories, sports history, and the profound impact of life's unpredictable paths, "Time Out" is a highly anticipated release in 2025.
Recommendations for Filmmakers
Seek Out and Investigate Compelling True Stories: Remarkable real-life events can provide powerful material for documentaries.
Collaborate with Journalists and Researchers: Partnering with those who have conducted in-depth investigations can provide a strong foundation for documentary narratives.
Go Beyond the Headlines: Delve into the personal and human aspects of a story to create a more resonant film.
Utilize Interviews Effectively: Skillfully conducted interviews with key individuals can unlock the emotional core of a documentary.
Recommendations for Movie Industry
Support and Distribute Documentaries with Strong Narrative Potential: Recognize that compelling true stories can have broad audience appeal.
Invest in Investigative Journalism that Can Lead to Documentary Subjects: Support the kind of in-depth reporting that unearths significant and hidden stories.
Provide Theatrical Opportunities for Documentaries: Allow impactful documentaries to reach audiences on the big screen before or alongside streaming releases.
Promote Documentaries Exploring Diverse Human Experiences: Champion films that shed light on a wide range of lives and challenges.
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