While the parallel-worlds genre in television and film is inappropriately thin, this film is a poor addition. Virtually the entire film is spent establishing the concept of parallel worlds and the simplistic mechanics. The characters are frustratingly dense and completely unfamiliar with the tropes of alternate dimensions. Little characterization is established beyond a maudlin scene for the male lead and excruciating awkwardness from the sidekick. The plot overall, emphasizing the leads' missing father and his mysterious past, is hardly original.
The one bright spot is Polly. She is clunkily burdened with exposition but proves the only remotely capable character. In addition she gets a tease of a backstory that could prove fascinating if developed.
If this piece becomes a series pilot it may still redeem itself, but as a standalone it's extremely disappointing.
Underperformance
While the parallel-worlds genre in television and film is inappropriately thin, this film is a poor addition. Virtually the entire film is spent establishing the concept of parallel worlds and the simplistic mechanics. The characters are frustratingly dense and completely unfamiliar with the tropes of alternate dimensions. Little characterization is established beyond a maudlin scene for the male lead and excruciating awkwardness from the sidekick. The plot overall, emphasizing the leads' missing father and his mysterious past, is hardly original.
The one bright spot is Polly. She is clunkily burdened with exposition but proves the only remotely capable character. In addition she gets a tease of a backstory that could prove fascinating if developed.
If this piece becomes a series pilot it may still redeem itself, but as a standalone it's extremely disappointing.