The dangers of time travel and multiverses collide in Vertical Entertainment's Parallel from director Isaac Ezbam. Devin (Aml Ameen), Leena (Georgia King), Josh (Mark O'Brien), and Noel (Martin Wallström) are friends from college who have collaborated to create a parking app. When they fail to sell the app at their latest pitch meeting, they realize it may time be to go their separate ways. Deciding to have one last hurrah, they stumble upon a mirror that serves as a portal to a "multiverse". Naturally, once they realize how to manipulate the multiverses, the fun and successes start. Naturally, they soon discover that importing knowledge from the other side to better their lives brings increasingly dangerous consequences.
Screenwriter Scott Blaszak has crafted an exciting concept with Parallel. From the moment the film opens up a classic opening sequence murder, I initially thought the film would take the route of doppelgangers. Still, the writer and director take us on a different kind of journey. Throughout the course, our characters are faced with ethical and morals dilemmas, and I wondered what I would do with that kind of power. One of the things I enjoyed about the film is the script never genuinely explaining where the mirror comes from or who created it. Hopefully, if the film is a success, it will open on-line discussions and theories for film buffs.
I also appreciated that Parallel highlighted unknown actors for leads, with Aml Ameen standing out. Ameen has a great scene where he has to come to grips with his past. I also found much to enjoy with Georgia King as our "final girl" and how the film slowly reveals layers of her character. Isaac Ezbam is known for his work in foreign cinema. He makes an excellent English language debut, and I can't wait to see what he does with a bigger budget. I've always loved science fiction films that force the viewer to think. Focusing on emotions and thoughts as opposed to special effects, Parallel is worth your viewing.
Parallel is available in select theaters & On Demand on December 11, 2020
