Parallels Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A building randomly teleports people between slightly different versions of Earth, all so a brother and sister can have daddy issues across the multiverse.

🍿 Parallels: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Mysterious Summons

Ronan, an MMA fighter, and his sister Beatrix, a driven young woman, separately receive cryptic messages from their estranged father, Alex. Intrigued and concerned, they both arrive at their father’s house, only to find him missing. Ronan discovers a strange, ball-shaped device in the trunk of his car, deepening the mystery. Beatrix’s friend, Harold, a public defender, arrives and suggests contacting the police. However, Captain Stone informs them that without evidence of a crime, there’s little he can do. He suggests checking out a building Alex mentioned, describing it as abandoned. This sets the stage for their journey into the unknown.

A Jump to a Devastated Earth

The trio, Ronan, Beatrix, and Harold, find the building covered in graffiti depicting alternate timelines. Initially dismissing it as nonsense, they soon realize the building has transported them to a parallel Earth ravaged by nuclear warfare. Witnessing a brutal act by a roving patrol, they quickly retreat back inside the building, seeking safety. Inside, they encounter Polly, a seasoned traveler between worlds. Polly explains that the building randomly jumps to an alternate Earth every 36 hours, presenting both danger and opportunity. She advises them to stay inside to avoid the hostile environment, marking the beginning of their multi-dimensional journey.

Kidnapped and Accused

The group’s attempt to remain hidden fails when an armed patrol awakens and captures them, leading them to a local settlement. Polly skillfully convinces the leader that they are merely lost travelers. Harry inadvertently reveals his knowledge of Captain Stone’s name and former occupation, sparking suspicion. Stone, now distrustful, takes them hostage and orders Tinker, a local gadget expert, to interrogate them. The interrogation reveals shocking footage of a terrorist attack, seemingly implicating their father, Alex, as the perpetrator. This revelation adds a personal and urgent dimension to their quest.

Advanced Earth and Betrayal

Ronan frees the group, and they escape just before Tinker detonates a nuclear device aimed at destroying the building. The group manages to get back into the building and jump to another Earth, this one technologically advanced. The group splits to discover the mysteries of Alex’s purpose. Ronan and Polly explore Alex’s house, they discover a hidden warning and are attacked. Beatrix and Harry discover, that in this world he is a wealthy and corrupt corporate lawyer. They hack into his computer and learn that this world’s Alex was killed in an accident and Ronan apparently never existed. Ultimately they make it back to the building and find Alex.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ronan Carver (Mark Hapka): An MMA fighter and estranged son searching for his missing father across parallel universes.
• Beatrix Carver (Jessica Rothe): Ronan’s sister, a determined and intelligent woman also searching for their father.
• Harold (Eric Jungmann): Beatrix’s loyal friend and a public defender who finds himself swept along on the interdimensional journey.
• Polly (Constance Wu): A seasoned traveler from another Earth who understands the building’s power and the multiverse.
• Alex Carver (Yorgo Constantine): The missing father whose mysterious message kicks off the entire parallel universe adventure.
• Tinker (Michael Monks): A resourceful but vengeful individual from a war-torn Earth who seeks revenge on Alex.
• Chief Stone (Davi Jay): The leader of the local settlement.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ronan Carver: “You’re saying you’re from some weird alternate Earth?” – Ronan expresses his disbelief when Polly explains the concept of parallel universes.
• Polly: “Not from my point of view. You guys are the ones who are drinking coffees that look like ice cream sundaes and shit.” – Polly highlights the differences between her world and the one Ronan and his friends are familiar with.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Parallels Reviews

Personal Review

I really wanted to love Parallels. The idea of hopping between different Earths is so cool, and the beginning really hooked me. I liked the characters and was invested in their search for their dad, and the constant cliffhangers had me on the edge of my seat. But I was also super disappointed when it just ended! It’s such a bummer that it never got picked up as a series, because it could have been great. If you like sci-fi, give it a shot, but be prepared for an unsatisfying ending!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of science fiction”
  • “Viewers who like parallel universe stories”
  • “Those interested in family drama with a sci-fi twist”
  • “People who enjoy shows like Fringe or Sliders”
  • “Viewers looking for a thought-provoking, albeit incomplete, sci-fi experience”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Some disturbing scenes”
  • “Brief language”
  • “Mature themes (family issues)”
  • “Thematic elements that may be intense for younger viewers”

Professional Reviews

• Sci-Fi Fanatic Blog: “Parallels sets up an intriguing premise with its parallel Earths concept. While the execution is a bit uneven, the potential for a larger story is definitely there. The characters are engaging enough, and the world-hopping provides a decent dose of sci-fi adventure. It really feels more like a pilot episode than a complete film. Worth a watch if you’re into multiverse stories.
• Indie Film Digest: “As a standalone film, Parallels suffers from its obvious origins as a TV pilot. The ending is abrupt and unsatisfying, leaving many questions unanswered. However, the core concept is compelling, and the performances are solid. The low budget is noticeable, but the film manages to create a believable sense of parallel worlds.

Audience Reactions

Constance Wu steals every scene she’s in!: The alternate world settings were creative and engaging.

The premise is fascinating and full of potential.: Viewers expressed major disappointment regarding the lack of closure in the ending and hoped for a sequel.

Overall Consensus: Parallels has a great premise that sparks imagination. The show ultimately falls short due to its unfinished nature and serves better as an enticing pilot episode. While the journey is intriguing, the absence of a resolution leaves viewers wanting more.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Parallels was originally conceived as a television pilot, but Fox Digital Studios later decided to release it as a standalone movie.”
• “The film explores the concept of parallel universes, with the central building acting as a gateway between them.”
• “The cliffhanger ending was intentional, designed to set up a potential series that ultimately did not materialize.”

🖥️ How to Watch Parallels?

As a movie originally intended as a pilot, “Parallels” may be available for streaming on platforms that host independent films. Check services like Tubi, Roku Channel, or similar free streaming options. Rental or purchase options may also be available on digital stores such as Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Amazon Prime Video.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Parallels, you might like these similar films:

• Sliders (1995-2000): Shares the premise of traveling between parallel universes, exploring different versions of Earth.
• Fringe (2008-2013): Deals with parallel universes, alternate timelines, and scientific anomalies, creating a similar sense of mystery and adventure.
• Coherence (2013): Low-budget sci-fi that explores the consequences of parallel realities intersecting during a dinner party

🛒 Parallels Related Products

• Sliders: The Complete Series: Relive the classic multiverse hopping experience with the complete series of Sliders. This DVD set includes all seasons of the beloved sci-fi show, packed with alternate worlds and thrilling adventures.
• Quantum Physics for Dummies: This friendly guide provides a clear and accessible introduction to quantum physics, demystifying complex concepts and making them understandable for everyone.
• Multiverse: Exploring the Worlds of Alternate Reality: Delve into the fascinating theoretical world of the multiverse with this thought-provoking book.
• Sliders: Trading Worlds: A Sliders novel that serves as a continuation for the end of the television show.

🎧 Soundtrack

Parallels features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Work For It” – performed by 21st Century Girl

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

A Mysterious Building is The Gateway to Infinite Parallel Earths

Ever get lost in a movie’s plot? This video breaks down the ‘Parallels’ story, explaining the whole parallel Earths thing. Trust me, it’s worth watching before you dive in or if you just want to make sure you understood everything!

Parallels 2015 Multiverse Time Travel Sci-Fi Adventure Movie Explained in Hindi | Alternate Reality

Want a detailed breakdown of ‘Parallels’ explained in Hindi? This video’s got you covered! It really simplifies the complex multiverse stuff, making it way easier to understand, I think.

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