Parallel (2018) Review
This thrill-ride from director Isaac Ezban (THE INCIDENT, BARBAROUS MEXICO), in his English language directorial debut, follows a group of friends who discover a parallel universe and with it the key to limitless power… but with it comes deep darkness and immorality. Premiering at Fantastic Film Festival, Belgium, and subsequently screening at FrightFest Halloween in London, this wild ride of a feature comes to DVD and digital on 14 June 2021, courtesy of 101 Films.
With a cast including Martin Wallström (MR ROBOT, WALLANDER), Georgia King (DEVS, VICE PRINCIPALS) and Kathleen Quinlan (PRISON BREAK, HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER), this slick what-if thriller sees a close-kit group of 20-somethings stumble upon a portal to the multiverse. As they come to terms with this life-changing discovery, they’re soon playing with fate as they use the knowledge to influence their lives and fortunes. As they push the limits of possibility, the stakes get higher and higher…with dangerous consequences. Will they become victims of their own success?
After wowing me with his 2015 black-and-white TWILIGHT ZONE-inspired THE SIMILARS (LOS PARECIDOS) it’s great to see that director Isaac Ezban has lost none of his panache for making the unusual sparkle and shine in an audience-friendly manner. And having Kathleen Quinlan in the cast, who starred in 1983’s big-screen take on THE TWILIGHT ZONE, served only to heightened my interest further. Whilst it could be reasoned that this is basically an extended take on BACK TO THE FUTURE PART II, where Biff uses a sporting almanac from the future to bring in substantial financial rewards in the present, there’s plenty else here that’s fresh, including one grisly denouement that’s applause-worthy! In short a triumph!