Parallel is a 2024 American science fiction thriller film directed by Kourosh Ahari and written by the brothers Aldis and Edwin Hodge with Jonathan Keasey. Besides the Hodges, the film also stars Danielle Deadwyler as a grief-stricken woman who mysteriously finds herself navigating between parallel spaces. It is a remake of the 2019 Chinese film Parallel Forest by Lei Zheng.

Parallel
Theatrical release poster
Directed byKourosh Ahari
Screenplay by
Based onParallel Forest
by Lei Zheng
Produced by
  • Sean Lydiard
  • Jaylen Moore
  • Edwin Hodge
  • Aldis Hodge
  • Jonathan Keasey
  • Elliot Michael Smith
  • Wenquizi Zhang
Starring
CinematographyPip White
Edited by
  • Rob Bonz
  • Alex Gurvits
Music by
  • Josh Atchley
  • Denise Santos
Production
companies
  • Rumble Riot
  • Hodge Brothers Productions
  • Fremont Films
  • Mammoth Pictures
  • MindRiot Entertainment
  • Beijing Pu Luo Media Company
  • One Dollar Studios
  • BondIt Media Capital
Distributed byVertical
Release date
  • February 23, 2024 (2024-02-23)
Running time
88 minutes[1]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Parallel was released by Vertical on February 23, 2024.

Plot

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In a house in the woods, Vanessa is looking through the window when suddenly she is startled by the bird hitting the glass. Vanessa comes out to look at the dead bird and her husband Alex joins her, trying to hold her hand to comfort her. Vanessa walks away from him.

Later Vanessa tells Alex and his brother Martel that last night she heard a loud noise that sounded like an explosion coming out of the forest. Martel talks about a facility in the forest which was rumored to have weird experiments happening inside. People used to go missing thus the facility shutting down and now the forest is supposed to be claimed as a preservation.

However, Alex thinks it was a story made up by their dad who abandoned them. Martel thinks their dad was searching for something but Alex dismisses the idea.

Then Vanessa decides she needs time alone and gets ready for a walk in the forest. Martel gives her a rifle to fight any wild animals and casually asks if the couple has decided to sell the house yet. Alex replies that they are still thinking about it but Vanessa is against it which triggers an argument that makes Vanessa leave in a huff. Alex follows her and explains to her his brother is just trying to help them move on, only Vanessa to ask Alex he wishes if it was her who died.

Cast

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Production

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In May 2021, it was reported that Aldis Hodge and his brother Edwin Hodge would write and star in a remake of the 2019 Chinese film Parallel Forest, with Kourosh Ahari set to direct.[2] In June 2022, Danielle Deadwyler signed on to star and to act as the film's executive producer.

Principal photography began in Vancouver later in June 2022.[3]

Release

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In April 2023, Vertical Entertainment acquired the film's worldwide distribution rights.[4]

Parallel was released in the United States on February 23, 2024.[5]

Reception

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Rachel Leishman from The Mary Sue gave the film a positive review writing: "While the plot of Parallel can get complicated if you think too deeply about it, the film (written by Hodge and his brother and co-star Edwin Hodge alongside Jonathan Keasey) shines in the performances that Deadwyler and Aldis and Edwin Hodge bring to this family. Kourosh Ahari’s simple direction lets us focus on what we want to believe in Vanessa’s quest to make it back to her original timeline."[6]

References

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  1. ^ "Parallel (15)". BBFC. February 20, 2024. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
  2. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (May 12, 2021). "Aldis Hodge & Edwin Hodge Team On Kourosh Ahari-Directed 'Parallel Forest' Remake". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  3. ^ Grobar, Matt (June 21, 2022). "Danielle Deadwyler To Exec Produce & Star Opposite Aldis Hodge And Edwin Hodge In Sci-Fi Thriller 'Parallel'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  4. ^ Grobar, Matt (April 20, 2023). "Vertical Acquires Worldwide Rights To Sci-Fi Thriller 'Parallel' Starring Danielle Deadwyler, Aldis Hodge And Edwin Hodge". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
  5. ^ Billington, Alex (February 2, 2024). "Sci-Fi Thriller 'Parallel' Trailer with Aldis Hodge & Danielle Deadwyler". First Showing. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
  6. ^ Leishman, Rachel (February 23, 2024). "'Parallel' Takes Us Into Alternate Realities Where We Don't Know Who To Trust".
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