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Sci-fi thriller

Parallel (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Parallel (2020) movie poster

Parallel is a 2020 sci-fi thriller directed by Isaac Ezban, starring Aml Ameen as Devin, Martin Wallström and Mark O'Brien. It runs 1 hour 44 minutes and earned $23.1 million worldwide. IMDb users rate it 5.8/10.

IMDb rating
5.8/10
worldwide gross
$23.1M
Echo Score
63
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Parallel (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 44m (104 min)
Director
Isaac Ezban
Genres
Sci-Fi , Drama , Thriller
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Parallel About?

The premise of Parallel without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

Following the tragic loss of her child, Vanessa seeks refuge in a lakeside retreat with her husband Alex and his brother Martel. While trying to find peace, she has a startling encounter with a doppelganger from another universe. This unsettling experience challenges her perception of reality and forces her to grapple with the possibility of alternate lives and the profound impact of her grief.

Parallel Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • mirror
  • german shepherd
  • hand over mouth
  • masked intruder
  • phonograph
  • shot in the head
  • shot through a pillow
  • doppleganger
  • seattle cityscape
  • sketching a portrait
  • reference to hannibal lecter
  • knocking a hole in a wall
+38 more
  • hidden room
  • tricycle
  • dimensional portal
  • cellar
  • close up of eye
  • drinking beer from a bottle
  • pile of money
  • dynamite
  • vito andolini corleone impression
  • explosion
  • burning money
  • reference to frankenstein
  • painting
  • gallery
  • betafire company
  • smashing a television
  • shot in the leg
  • interracial sex
  • note on a pillow
  • cut in half
  • breaking a mirror
  • axe
  • man wears a tuxedo
  • parallel universe
  • multiverse
  • parallel world
  • no opening credits
  • begins with a murder
  • pitch meeting
  • one word title
  • group of friends
  • false wall
  • secret room
  • montage
  • phone app
  • godfather impersonation
  • dynamite explosion
  • reference to ryan gosling
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Cast & crew

Parallel Cast & Characters

Aml Ameen leads the cast as Devin, with Martin Wallström as Noel and Mark O'Brien as Josh. Directed by Isaac Ezban; 14 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Isaac Ezban

More films directed by Isaac Ezban, best-rated first: Parvulos: Children of the Apocalypse, The Dance of Time, Parallel and The Similars.

Full filmography
Ratings

Parallel Reviews & Ratings

IMDb users rate Parallel 5.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 63/100, strongest in sensory experience (75) and weakest in rewatch factor (45).

63 /100

Parallel Echo Score Breakdown

Parallel presents a moderately engaging sci-fi premise with uneven execution across its components. Critics praise its tense atmosphere and minimalist approach, noting effective direction and solid performances despite the constrained budget. User feedback highlights strengths in conceptual intrigue and photography while pointing to inconsistent writing and emotional disconnect. The film’s pacing and narrative complexity divide audiences, resulting in a mixed but thought-provoking multiverse exploration.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 70

    In terms of direction and cinematography, Parallel demonstrates a minimalist yet effective visual approach that copes with budgetary constraints. Critics commend its thoughtful framing and crisp editing, while viewers note periods of sluggish pacing and occasional sloppy execution. The film’s production design sustains a cohesive atmosphere despite its simplicity. Net effect: the art direction is solid if uneven at times.

  • Character & Emotion 60

    When it comes to acting and character depth, Parallel presents a mix of compelling performances and underdeveloped personas. The leads deliver nuanced portrayals that anchor the narrative tension, yet some viewers reported weak character writing and limited emotional engagement. Critics highlight the ensemble chemistry, but others find the emotional arcs insufficiently explored. Overall, character work is engaging but uneven.

  • Story & Flow 55

    In terms of plot coherence and pacing, Parallel navigates an intriguing multiverse concept with varying success. Critics appreciate its tense structure and originality, yet the narrative complexity can lead to confusion. Several viewers describe the storyline as slow or uneven, with a divisive ending and underdeveloped subplots. Ultimately, the story delivers thought-provoking ideas but falters in consistent engagement.

  • Sensory Experience 75

    Regarding visual style and sound design, Parallel offers striking imagery and a restrained soundscape. Multiple viewers and critics praise the film’s crisp cinematography and carefully framed compositions, noting that the forest setting enhances the thematic tension. Although the soundtrack remains understated, it complements the visuals without overwhelming the narrative. Overall, the sensory experience is evocative and cohesive.

  • Rewatch Factor 45

    In terms of rewatch value, Parallel elicits mixed responses regarding its replay appeal. The film’s conceptual depth and occasional narrative surprises encourage repeat viewings, yet inconsistent character engagement and pacing concerns undermine sustained interest. Some viewers find the multiverse puzzle rewarding on subsequent watches, whereas others feel the emotional disconnect and simplicity limit lasting appeal. Overall, rewatch potential remains moderate.

Plot

Parallel Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Parallel from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

The film begins with an elderly couple peacefully resting in bed. However, the tranquility is shattered when the wife hears her dog’s distress. Curiosity leads her out of the bedroom, where she finds the dog unharmed, but tragedy strikes as she is violently murdered by a masked intruder. In a shocking twist, the intruder removes the mask, revealing herself to be an exact duplicate of the wife, and then she returns to bed with the unsuspecting husband.

Full summary

The whole story of Parallel, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Parallel Box Office

Parallel grossed $23.1 million worldwide. $2.3 million came from the US and Canada and $20.8 million (90%) from the rest of the world.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$23.1M

US & Canada
$2.3M
International
$20.8M
US & Canada 10% Rest of the world 90%
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Parallel?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What event triggers the chaos in the lives of the four software entrepreneurs?

Cars

Cars in Parallel

7 cars on screen, including the 1965 Buick Skylark and the 2015 GMC Canyon.

All 7 cars
  • 1965 Buick Skylark in Parallel 1965 Buick Skylark Important role
  • 2015 GMC Canyon in Parallel 2015 GMC Canyon Background role
  • 2018 GMC Terrain in Parallel 2018 GMC Terrain Background role
  • 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer in Parallel 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Background role
Details

Parallel Also Known As

2 alternative titles: “PARALLEL パラレル” and “패러렐: 코스프레 살인마”.

Also known as
  • PARALLEL パラレル
  • 패러렐: 코스프레 살인마

Seen Parallel?

FAQ

Parallel FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Parallel, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Parallel?

Parallel runs 1 hour 44 minutes (104 minutes).

When was Parallel released?

Parallel was released on December 11, 2020.

Who directed Parallel?

Parallel was directed by Isaac Ezban.

More films by Isaac Ezban

Who is in the cast of Parallel?

Parallel stars Aml Ameen as Devin, Martin Wallström as Noel and Mark O'Brien as Josh, among 14 credited actors.

How much did Parallel make at the box office?

Parallel grossed $23.1 million worldwide ($2.3 million domestic, $20.8 million international).

How is Parallel rated?

Parallel has 5.8/10 on IMDb and 3.6/5 on Movie Insider.

Does Parallel have a post-credit scene?

No. Parallel has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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