Parallel (2024) User Reviews

That rating doesn't make sense

[redgenerall · 6/10 · 1 April 2024]

Yeah I really don't understand why the current rating is below 5.

Its a solid low budget sci-fi movie.

Yes, it took like 30 minutes to get going but after that it's a smooth sailing with drama, twists and all of that.

Cast is amazing. Which is no surprise considering all of the previous work of Aldis Hodge and Danielle Deadwyler.

Edwin Hodge also was a nice surprise, cause I only remember him in them Purge movies but he did a solid job here.

Yes, the other review is correct compering Parallel to Coherence sinse they both share a pretty similar premise. Although I gotta say that I found this one a little more tidy. Plus, again, the cast here is superb.

Anyway, give this movie a chance.

NOT BAD

[penofinspiratin · 6/10 · 2 March 2024]

I was sceptical when I jumped in after watching the previous one of the same name. You the one with two lovers on the bed one goes out and comes back with new mojo.

Also the fact that it's brown ppl on a limited budget.

Well the film really had me interested & my attention captivated.

The lowdown here was lack of resources , in terms of fx in the bushes houses & small details.

As it all depends on the cast for us to realise there is change, my point being it can't be only the ppl with alternations , atleast have flowers , paint etc.

Don't get me wrong they nailed it with what was available.

The story swayed away from the quantum entanglement , which would have been too much for low budget & that worked well.

Dialogue wise, yeah it was mid , not too cringe but cheesy - not bad for something that really worked towards making a time travel, quantum realms etc kind of genre easy for simpletons and not to simple to make you feel like what's the point.

I enjoyed that our main character gets to view the world from a double standard perspective & eventually end up understanding that no one is in control but what she was told in the fire place is actually true.

The ending is also thought provocative to build a cult classic .

Pretty much a 'time travel' style movie - not bad, not great?

[gunn-wrights · 6/10 · 5 March 2024]

SPOILERS:

Couple lost their ~4 year old son (although it depends in which multiverse you are in). Lady jumps all over time, but going through this 'repeater' point in the woods. Even tries to kill herself.

Look alike hubby found in woods too. But she wants HER hubby.

ENDING: Lookalike hubby goes into his arch, lays TNT over it to blow this gate, giving her 45 minutes to find a gate, and go live there. She finds a gate where everything seems back to usual - and of course, her son is ALIVE???

Wonder what else that may change? Butterfly effect - right!

SUGGESTION: I'd watch it for free, otherwise - nah!

Nothing here that hasn't been done better by Coherence

[Ithilfaen · 22 March 2024]

First, let's not kid ourselves, Danielle Deadwyler carries the movie. If the depth of this cloying wordy script was left to the Hodges brothers, it would be a puddle.

The budget is not a problem so much as the acting of 2/3 of the cast but then they wrote themselves a movie so they weren't going to cast capable actors. They probably shouldn't have cast Deadwyler though because she acts circles around them.

Unfortunately that's really not enough to save it. The over the top melodrama was already enough to bury the concept but they had so little confidence in the audience that they have to describe everything, every moral choice, every option and it gets terribly boring.

If you liked this, check out Coherence. It will blow your mind.

Never saw something like this

[borbatr-1 · 1/10 · 16 March 2024]

This movie is unbelievable. You check the credits and finally, an all-black cast! But then you're reminded hollywood/north america will never give black people chance. The only way they wil put an all black cast, is if the plot makes sure that ALL OF THEM will suffer forever, no matter in what dimension they are in. Every single multiverse option found by the characters is somehow worse than the other. Basically black people are never allowed to find happiness because in america, every single dimension is designed to bring you down.

Triggering. I'm done with american movies. If it's not a token to die in the first half of the movie, then all of them will suffer forever. Disappointing.

I wanted to like this & I like Aldis Hodge but...

[athornell-00377 · 4/10 · 25 April 2024]

Elements of each of my movie & TV reviews:

Did I enjoy it & watch to the end?

No I didn't enjoy it. Yes I finished it. Mad I did.

Would I rewatch it completely?

No

If not, are there enough good segments to watch certain scenes?

Yes, the concept was intriguing. The writing got lost and it lost steam.

Do I care for most / some of the characters?

I tried...The wife who lost her son. The husband who is losing his wife.

Are the movie flaws glaring or subtle enough to bypass? Glaring

Would I recommend to someone else?

No

The review: The concept was intriguing. I love sci-fi. I am also a sucker for multi-universe subject matter. However the writing got lost and the concept fell flat. The story lost its' momentum and ended poorly. By the third act we don't care.

It's too bad because I like both actors. I really like Aldis Hodge and want more good roles for him. This movie by the second act tanked.

Cross Space

[nogodnomasters · 7/10 · 5 March 2024]

"Parallel" was a better-than-expected science fiction drama. A year following the death of their son Obie, Vanessa (Danielle Deadwyler) her husband (Aldis Hodge), and his brother (Edwin Hodge) go on a retreat to his father's cabin-in-the-woods. They claim Dad was crazy as he talked about other universes. A project was conducted nearby, but the shutdown. It was returned to the forest. Early in the film, Vanessa goes out alone only to see herself shooting at her. Later she sees her brother-in-law leave one door and enter another. Later in the film she meets a version of her husband who explains the plot and advises Vanessa to pick one instead of trying to get back to her original universe.

Some low-budget science fiction is better than others, especially when it doesn't require special effects. Not difficult to follow.

Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity.

Well made and entertaining

[nzarthouse · 8/10 · 4 March 2024]

I really enjoyed this movie. Respect to any team that can pull off a low budget production with only 3 cast and keep me engaged start to finish. An interesting plot, solid acting and quality cinematography. No special effects here, but the sci-fi/ mystery theme had enough interesting twists to satisfy this sci-fi fan.

Starring Danielle Deadwyler (also executive producer) and Aldis and Edwin Hodge (also writers).

Based on the 2019 Chinese movie 'Parallel Forest'. Could be worth checking this one out too.

I don't usually write reviews. When I saw the low rating I felt liking giving my support. There are so many rubbish movies that deserve low ratings. This movie is actually decent. Give it a try. I'm glad I did.

Totally enjoyed it!

[bri-84095 · 7/10 · 21 April 2024]

Initially skeptical after seeing its unimpressive ratings, I reluctantly decided to watch this multiverse/time travel film after browsing through several user reviews. To my surprise, the movie captivated me with its unique, almost claustrophobic atmosphere, confined to a minimalistic setting with just three characters. Despite its apparent simplicity and limited scope, the film impressively explores its concept, pushing the boundaries of its narrative constraints.

It maintains a delicate balance between innovation and budget constraints, and I found myself wondering if its success was a stroke of luck or a testament to clever filmmaking. Unlike many avant-garde films that tend to meander and conclude on an unsatisfying note, this one managed to weave depth and intrigue throughout, compelling me to invest emotionally in all three protagonists-and their various iterations.

Given the complexity and the slow-burn nature of its storytelling, this movie might not resonate with everyone. It demands the right mood and moment-perhaps catching you in the perfect universe on the perfect evening, as it did with me. That night, I felt rewarded for my patience and was glad to see a film that didn't squander its potential. The industry's standard might hover around mediocrity, but this film stands out, deserving of much more than its initial 4.9 rating. Ultimately, I found myself struggling between 6 and 7 stars, but decided for a 7, appreciative of the heart, thoughts and risk invested by its creators, which set it apart from the pack. In a landscape where genuine innovation is rare, this film is a noteworthy exception.

Way better than expected!

[ariaalaska · 8/10 · 3 March 2024]

This is my first IMDb review after many years of reading them. Created an account just to say this movie is better than the low reviews would have you believe. I typically don't watch anything below a 5/10. Took a chance on this and was pleasantly surprised. I agree with the other reviewer that said the low reviews are probably due to "...ism". But I won't get into that. This is my favorite genre and film was great. Lovely architecture, ambience, and forest scenery. I would give it a 6.5 for acting and dialog but the premise and setting bumped it up to an 8 for me. Enough twists and turns to keep it interesting. Meaningful, satisfying ending. Give it a watch!

A Physiological MASTERPIECE!

[Envy-Tiecy · 10/10 · 2 April 2024]

There are movies that I can predict the outcome and what will happen before it happens blah blah blah well THIS IS NOT ONE OF THOSE MOVIES! The film I've been waiting for since "Shutter Island" and "Inception". If you love having your mind picked apart minute by minute this is the movie for you! You will definitely want to put your phone on silent while watching this movie so that you have no distractions. Because if you don't, you will a miss piece of pertinent information that tie everything together. A beautifully crafted and Absolutely mind-blowing plot with Talented actors. I crown this hidden jewel A MUST WATCH!

Awesome directing

[tdages-47028 · 10/10 · 3 March 2024]

I really enjoyed the movie. At first, I was a little skeptical, but as I kept watching, I was getting more and more into the movie as it went on. I guess I was a little skeptical of the movie at first, because knowing going into it, there were only three unknown actors in the whole movie. The dialogue and the writing was not the strong point but directing and cinematography made it worth watching. As you get into the movie, it pulls you in and it begins to get really interesting, especially when they start going into different parallel dimensions. I especially enjoyed the ending! The movie was shot in Vancouver Canada and was beautiful. I don't usually do reviews but I felt I need to do this because I really enjoy the directing and cinematography. Kourosh Ahari did a fantastic job at directing this movie.

It's a must watch-rate it yourself. I give it 10 stars.

Low budget, high quality storytelling

[jennm1484 · 10/10 · 28 March 2024]

If you like sci fi movies focused on substance over explosions, you'll love it! I would compare it to a title like Coherence that depends on a limited cast and locations. However, I would say the motivations of the characters in Parallel are much more understandable.

I wasn't expecting much going into it because I hadn't heard much buzz, but I'm genuinely surprised more sci fi fans aren't speaking about this.

Talented cast that can really captivate the audience. I wish there were more movies like this available. There' are just too many movies out there that prioritize sparkle over substance.

Sooooo good!!!!!!

[bornagainmel · 10/10 · 15 March 2024]

What a great movie for thriller, drama, and suspense lovers! You will not be disappointed! I was kept on the edge of my seat. The movie was set in a mysterious location and revolves around three characters who play several personas incredibly well! The acting from all three of the actors was brilliant, and the cinematography was awesome. The story plot was captivating. I love that I didn't have any idea where the story was going, and I love how it ended. I wish there was a part two of this movie!

I will certainly be looking out for more movies with these actors in them.

BTW, anyone who rates this lower than a 7 has issues! What is there to dislike about this movie?! NOTHING.

Refreshing and thought provoking film

[ashhaynes-88030 · 8/10 · 10 March 2024]

I appreciate this movie for stimulating my mind and provoking thoughts and ideas. I truly grasped the symbolism in this movie. We go through a multitude of changes during our evolution through life.

It is indeed difficult to impossible for some versions of ourselves to coexist in the same space.

The former versions must die, in order for us to thrive in our current dimension/reality.

The way she kept retreating to the forest symbolized our desire and attempts to escape and reset our present reality, only to find ourselves, sometimes, going in circles and looping. Holding on to certain feelings and ways: grief, trauma, depression, resentment, anger, lack of gratitude, etc. Impairs our ability to thrive in the present. While we are looping and wallowing in the mud of our past experiences, we abandon the joy of tasting the sweetness of the fruit we've gathered, and tarnish the beauty of the journey of life.

Solid good sci-fi/horror thriller!

[anointed_24 · 8/10 · 24 March 2024]

Aldis and his brother Edwin wrote a good thrilling/horror, science fiction movie. I don't get the bad rating IMDB has. Possibly not enough watched it and reviewed it.

The movie takes place with three individuals staying in a lake house. Aldis Hodge plays the husband (Alex), Danielle Deadwyler plays his wife (Vanessa) and Edwin Hodge plays the brother of Alex (Martel). Vanessa and Alex have recently experienced the death of their son and are staying in martel's lake house for vacation. Vanessa decides to take a stroll through the woods when she encounters a multiverse experience, where she sees herself. However, this version of herself tries to kill her. She then goes back to the house as she tries to make sense of it, as well as dealing with her husband trying to move on from their dead son and the possibility of selling their house to have a fresh start. You also didn't find out. Later on, you find out that the father of Alex and Martel was someone who delved in physics and multiverse possibilities but disappeared.

This movie really deserves a watch because there are small factors in it that you really cannot talk about without spoiling it. The suspense and thrills in this project did not disappoint. Danielle did an excellent job playing a confused, angry and grieving mother trying to survive this ordeal. The subtleties and the elements involved made for a great movie that didn't spoon feed you all the answers and did not have to spend a lot of money to do it. There was no CGI or any other kind of special effects needed to tell this story, which was really refreshing. The conversations and relationships that all three of them had were absolutely believable and relatable. From one conversation, you hear that there were experiments happening in a facility in the woods where people went missing and caused the shutdown of said facility. This leads to Danielle going back into the woods to try to find something that can help her make sense of what she experienced. Upon doing this is when the movie really picks up as she has lost her way and is now trying to find her way back home. This is where the movie has its most thrilling moments, because you never know who she's going to encounter and if she is ever going to find her way back. You also understood Danielle's ulterior motive from a grieving mother standpoint, as she was also trying to find a universe where her son was actually still alive. I like the fact that you were never bored and it kept an even pace throughout the entire film.

I wish I had seen this movie sooner. Definitely worth a watch and owning on 4K.

Great Little Indy Sci-Fi Movie with a Fantastic Theme

[dontadow-90363 · 8/10 · 19 March 2024]

I feel bad for some of the folk on here who "missed" the movie, which is a great little indy scifi movie starring just 3 people in a variety of roles.

Our protaganist finds a portal in the woods near her family estate that leads to various multiverses and a struggle to get back home to her own.

The acting of each of these three as they portray their dopplegangers is very well done, as you can physically tell the difference between certain ones by demeanor and conversation.

The theme of this movie is grief. Our protaganist and her husband are sufferring a horrible loss, and this movie does a great job not just displaying dopplegangers as various stages of grief, but also landing its ending which, is so subtle, i felt was lost on many.

This movie does not have a happy ending. As the divorced husband says, every reality the son dies. Not dealing with trauma and grief properly could very well force you to relive it all over again, which she is going to do as her son has just not yet died.

I first thought the movie copped out by reviving the son. As the credits rolled I realized what the true ending was as the excellent writing of this movie layed so many clues for what this ending is. The son dies in every reality. Sometimes time is off in realities.