Better Know a Stoner Movie: 12 Monkeys (1995)
The Perfect Stoner Flick for Time-Travel Mind Benders
If you’re a fan of movies that twist your brain into a knot and leave you questioning reality, then 12 Monkeys is the perfect film for your next stoned movie night. Released in 1995, this Terry Gilliam-directed film brings a combination of dystopian science fiction, time travel, and existential musings, all wrapped in Gilliam’s surreal style. It’s the kind of movie that will have you leaning back in your chair, zoning out, and saying, “Whoa, man, what just happened?”
The Plot: Time Travel with a Side of Paranoia
12 Monkeys takes place in a future where humanity has been nearly wiped out by a deadly virus, forcing survivors to live underground. Bruce Willis stars as James Cole, a prisoner who is sent back in time to gather information about the origins of the virus and, potentially, stop its spread. But as with any great stoner movie, things are far from straightforward. Cole’s grip on reality begins to slip as he questions his sanity and whether or not the future he’s from even exists.
The film jumps between the past and future with chaotic energy, making you second-guess every timeline. And that’s the magic of it: you’re always trying to figure out what’s real and what’s not, especially when you’re a little blazed.
Why It’s a Stoner Classic
Here’s why 12 Monkeys holds a special place in stoner movie history:
- Mind-Bending Storyline: The time-travel plot and psychological twists make this a perfect film to watch while high. Every scene demands your attention, yet leaves enough ambiguity to let your imagination run wild.
- Terry Gilliam’s Visual Style: Known for his work with Monty Python and films like Brazil, Gilliam’s world-building is as trippy as it gets. From dark, claustrophobic underground bunkers to gritty, chaotic 1990s streets, the film is filled with bizarre, dreamlike imagery that can feel hallucinatory.
- Brad Pitt’s Wild Performance: Brad Pitt’s portrayal of Jeffrey Goines, a deranged mental patient and leader of an animal rights group, is electric. Pitt is jittery, unpredictable, and a joy to watch—especially when you’re high and trying to figure out if he’s the key to the entire puzzle or just a red herring.
The Perfect Pairing
12 Monkeys is best paired with a heavy-hitting indica strain, something that will slow down your thoughts enough to really take in the twists without letting the anxiety of the film get too overwhelming. A classic like OG Kush or Northern Lights would be perfect for getting into the philosophical and existential headspace this movie invites.
For those who enjoy a little bit of paranoia with their high, consider a sativa like Sour Diesel to match the tension and confusion that runs throughout the film.
Deep Dive: What’s It All About?
When you dive deeper into 12 Monkeys, there are plenty of stoner-worthy themes to discuss. The film touches on questions about fate versus free will, the reliability of memory, and how we perceive time. Is James Cole truly changing the past, or is he simply fulfilling a predetermined destiny? Are the people in the future real, or are they just figments of his imagination? These are the kinds of rabbit holes that make this film endlessly fascinating and fun to talk about after it’s over.
Final Verdict
12 Monkeys is a cerebral trip that delivers a unique stoner movie experience. It’s one of those films that gets better with each watch, especially when viewed under the influence, as the layers of meaning and hidden details slowly unravel in your mind. Whether you’re into dystopian sci-fi, time travel, or just love a good “what is reality?” kind of story, 12 Monkeys will take you on a journey that’s both thought-provoking and visually stunning.