Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Parallax’ (2020)

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THIS IS THE EMERGENCY SPOILER ALERT SYSTEM. YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.

One particular element that allows for the science fiction genre to endure, is the sheer fact that it is able to explore just about anything storytelling wise. Because science and its endless theories, allows for storytellers and their incredible imaginations to take us to places that downright seem impossible. Which has led to some magnificent stories throughout the years, the kind that have challenged the human condition like never before and allowed for us to ponder upon what the world and the future might look like if we came together as a species at last, and worked together toward a better tomorrow. But while these storytelling elements are amazing in their own right, they are quite broad and sweeping for certain.
​
Which leads one to believe that science fiction can only think big and be big, but that’s simply not the case. For this particular genre can be intimate in nature as well, to the point where it can actually explore some realistic and relatable concepts, such as the nature of our reality and quite frankly, what our role is in life and the universe for that matter as well. Concepts that seem more so like they belong in a deep-rooted drama about a mid-life crisis or a coming of age story. But this particular genre can indeed explore such matters all while offering up the scientific notions that keep us coming back to this realm of stories time and time again and recently, this reviewer had the opportunity to enjoy a sci-fi story that blends all of those elements together in fascinating fashion in Parallax.

Now in this particular tale, we are introduced to a couple in crisis. For Lucas and Naomi are living quite the stressful life. Because Naomi is distant from her fiancé, to the point where she hides in the shadows of their home on a daily basis. Because she believes that her life and her existence are meaningless, and that she belongs elsewhere and sadly, Lucas is desperate to reach her and see her reclaim the joy she finds in life and spreads to the world. But no matter what he does, he simply cannot reach her, making it seem as though this relationship is doomed to fall apart. But one day, when Naomi feels slightly better about her life and her situation, she takes the time to resume her beloved hobby, painting, and when she is transported to another world whilst creating, possibly in her mind, she immediately returns to life. For now, she suddenly has purpose by way of her supposed new ability, and her desire to explore this opportunity to escape her current reality will change her life in ways she never thought possible. 

---

So, what makes this particular motion picture so intriguing, is that it does exactly what we discussed a moment ago and explores so much more than the average sci-fi film. For example, this movie really does a fine job of exploring the stigma surrounding mental illness. For Lucas and his therapist spar over the possibility that Naomi may be seeing a relapse of the state she was in a few years ago. Since it is revealed that she spent time in a mental institution, and it is quite refreshing to have a movie make a statement about how we cannot ignore the warning signs of mental illness and that they need to be addressed immediately rather than waived off. But what’s equally impressive about this early part of the story is that it also takes the time to explore how the world can be supremely overwhelming at times by way of Naomi’s feelings of inadequacy and isolation. Because injecting that element into the story makes it oddly relatable since we’ve all felt like Naomi from time to time, and being inside her head and experiencing her plight, is what allows for this film to shift into sci-fi mode in seamless fashion.
​
For once we come to learn that Naomi actually can shift through realities in the most unique way imaginable, you’re suddenly rooting for her every step of the way. Because now you want to see her uncover the truth about her past and discover her true purpose in life and that’s really where the story gets pretty hardcore in regard to science fiction. For at this point in the story, we are in essence exploring notions of the multiverse, and how different choices and possibilities could have led us down vastly different paths. Which makes this part of the film supremely gripping, since you’re curious to learn more about these worlds and what significance they hold for Naomi and well, the wonder of imagination doesn’t there. Because a uniquely ‘left-turn’ ending answers most of your questions in a unique and stunning fashion, the kind that stays with you long after the film has come to an end.

Because in many ways, the ending of this story and its overall meaning is left up to the audience to interpret, which is perhaps the perfect way to end this story. For this is a tale grounded in mystery and endless possibilities and putting the final word in the audience’s hands is both interactive and satisfying because there is no wrong way to conclude the story. If anything, everything we’ve discussed here, makes this one cerebral and powerful motion picture. One that has plenty of elements for the audience to chew upon and it really does deserve serious credit for exploring notions of the multiverse in such a meaningful and realistic manner, which makes this movie a worthwhile watch. Because you can never go wrong with a story that makes you ponder upon the nature of reality, and the endless possibilities of the multiverse. 

‘Parallax’ is in select theaters now.  

---