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Drama thriller

Parallel (2024): Cast, Ratings & Ending

Parallel (2024) movie poster

Parallel is a 2024 drama thriller directed by Kourosh Ahari, starring Danielle Deadwyler as Vanessa, Aldis Hodge and Edwin Hodge. It runs 1 hour 28 minutes. It holds 63% on TMDB.

Parallel (2024) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 28m (88 min)
Director
Kourosh Ahari
Genres
Drama , Sci-Fi , 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 a devastating loss, Vanessa seeks solace at her family’s lake house. As she tries to cope with her grief alongside her husband, Alex, and his brother, Martel, she experiences increasingly strange and unsettling events that challenge her perception of reality. A shocking revelation further destabilizes her, sending her into a surreal and disorienting world where the boundaries of time become blurred.

Parallel Themes & Keywords

· 3 tags
  • journey
  • woman
  • time travel sci fi
Cast & crew

Parallel Cast & Characters

Danielle Deadwyler leads the cast as Vanessa, with Aldis Hodge as Alex and Edwin Hodge as Martel. Directed by Kourosh Ahari.

Ratings

Parallel Reviews & Ratings

Parallel holds 63% on TMDB. Our Echo Score gives it 64/100, strongest in art & craft (78) and weakest in rewatch factor (58).

64 /100

Parallel Echo Score Breakdown

In terms of overall impact, Parallel offers a conceptually interesting multiverse thriller that succeeds in generating occasional tension but is hampered by uneven execution. Critics note its effective direction and strong performances, while many viewers point to low-budget production, convoluted plotting, and an unsatisfying climax. Visual elements receive occasional praise for striking photography, yet the film lacks a memorable soundtrack or sound design. Consequently, the movie sits in the mixed-review zone, reflected in a mid-range Echo Score.

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

  • Art & Craft 78

    ART: The film’s visual composition is marked by stark, minimalist set design and notably striking cinematography that several viewers praised. However, the low-budget aesthetic leads to sparse production values and occasional rough editing, which some critics described as merely adequate. Overall, the artistry is competent but not exceptional.

  • Character & Emotion 68

    CHARACTER: Performances by the lead trio receive consistent commendation for conveying the film’s emotional stakes, with critics highlighting their chemistry. Yet, a portion of audience feedback notes uneven acting and limited character depth, describing dialogue as stilted and the protagonists as insufficiently developed. The net result is a mixed character impression.

  • Story & Flow 60

    STORY: The multiverse premise is praised for originality and the tension it can generate, but many reviewers criticize the narrative for confusing pacing, repetitive loops, and a climax that leaves key questions unresolved. The script’s uneven rhythm and under-developed plot arcs result in a story that feels only partially satisfying.

  • Sensory Experience 66

    SENSORY: Visuals stand out, with several viewers noting the film’s striking photography and effective use of a limited color palette. Sound design and musical scoring receive little mention, suggesting they are serviceable but unremarkable. Overall, the sensory experience is visually engaging yet acoustically modest.

  • Rewatch Factor 58

    REWATCH: While the core concept invites repeated viewings to unpack its alternate realities, the film’s inconsistent pacing, underdeveloped characters, and unsatisfying ending diminish its replay value for many. Some viewers still recommend it for genre fans seeking a modest, thought-provoking experience.

Plot

Parallel Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Parallel from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In a house tucked away in the woods, Vanessa, Danielle Deadwyler, is peering through a window when a sudden jolt shakes the quiet—the bird outside slams into the glass. She steps out to inspect the lifeless creature, and her husband, Aldis Hodge as Alex, moves in to offer a gentle hand, a quiet attempt at comfort that only widens the rift when Vanessa pulls away.

Full summary

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

Read the full summary
Videos

Parallel Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Parallel.

Official Trailer
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

Who is Vanessa's husband in the film?

Details

Parallel Also Known As

6 alternative titles, including “Parallel - Gefangen zwischen Welten” and “Paralelos”.

Also known as
  • Parallel - Gefangen zwischen Welten
  • Paralelos
  • 平行森林
  • Ошибка времени. Мультивселенная
  • Paralel
  • מקביל

Seen Parallel?

FAQ

Parallel FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

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

How long is Parallel?

Parallel runs 1 hour 28 minutes (88 minutes).

When was Parallel released?

Parallel was released on February 23, 2024.

Who directed Parallel?

Parallel was directed by Kourosh Ahari.

More films by Kourosh Ahari

Who is in the cast of Parallel?

Parallel stars Danielle Deadwyler as Vanessa, Aldis Hodge as Alex and Edwin Hodge as Martel.

How is Parallel rated?

Parallel has 63% on TMDB and 3.0/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Parallel have a post-credit scene?

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

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