Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Slow-burn multiverse morality tale has violence, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
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Parallel
What's the Story?
PARALLEL sets the stage for a fascinating tale of morality and integrity, showing how far some people will go to achieve the ultimate dream of capitalist dominance. Martin Wallström stars as Noel, a chilling visionary who, after stumbling upon a portal to the multiverse with friends, uses it for his own gain to become a Steve Jobs- or Jeff Bezos-like entrepreneur. Leena (Georgia King), Devin (Aml Ameen), and Josh (Mark O'Brien) follow Noel's lead, finding the multiverse useful for finishing their joint project, a parking app, as well as for other opportunities to live out their dreams. But once Noel starts exploiting the benefits of using the multiverse for deadly consequences, each friend is put to the test about how they'll respond.
Is It Any Good?
Parallel is a slow burn at first: It takes nearly an hour for the main action to start. Up until then, the film is setting up its characters, world, and motivations, which makes it all fall into place once the first defining moment of tragedy happens for the friends. While each character is compellingly acted, Ameen and Wallström are the strongest as Devin, the conscience of the group, and Noel, the de-facto leader who wants power above all. Devin is also the most responsible, since he has experienced heartbreak that compels him to use the multiverse for more compassionate ends.
King and O'Brien round out the cast with stellar performances, particularly O'Brien, whose Josh takes an interesting turn regarding the multiverse. Overall, this film is great for fans of sci-fi morality tales -- like Primer, which also involves four friends coming upon an invention that challenges them and their morals.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about integrity. What defines integrity? Do you think any of the characters in Parallel demonstrate integrity in their actions? When has your own integrity been tested?
How does the violence in Parallel compare to what you've seen in other sci-fi movies? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
What does it mean to be a good friend? How can friends keep each other accountable for their actions?
What are some positive and negative aspects of using shortcuts to solve a problem?
When have you shown positive personal growth? How have you tried to make amends for past negative behavior?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : December 11, 2020
- Cast : Aml Ameen , Georgia King , Mark O’Brien , Martin Wallström
- Director : Isaac Ezban
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Director(s) , Mexican Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Vertical Entertainment
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Character Strengths : Integrity
- Run time : 104 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : January 19, 2022
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