17 reviews
Not bad
Here's a low budget Sci-Fi, that never manages to amaze but is also not terrible. The story is about a man that (in rather sketchy circumstances), creates a portal to an alternate reality, but once he sees how different it is, things get complicated and morals are tested. This is an engaging and thought provoking storyline, even though it never is pushed to it's full potential.
The acting is OK, if a little rusty in places, but i have to say, i really didn't like the female lead at all. It felt like she was trying too hard to differentiate between the 2 personalities of her characters.
The script was a little ropey too. That being said, the story develops well and with a sensible running time, it doesn't drag at all, unlike some similar movies.
I did enjoy this movie, but i must confess, i think that could be mostly because i like this type of film, because after all, when i think about it back, this didn't really add anything exciting to the genre. So if you are like me and like the idea of mysterious psuedo-science, then you'll probably like this too, if not, then you may feel like passing this one by.
The acting is OK, if a little rusty in places, but i have to say, i really didn't like the female lead at all. It felt like she was trying too hard to differentiate between the 2 personalities of her characters.
The script was a little ropey too. That being said, the story develops well and with a sensible running time, it doesn't drag at all, unlike some similar movies.
I did enjoy this movie, but i must confess, i think that could be mostly because i like this type of film, because after all, when i think about it back, this didn't really add anything exciting to the genre. So if you are like me and like the idea of mysterious psuedo-science, then you'll probably like this too, if not, then you may feel like passing this one by.
- battlecrusadersgames
- Sep 14, 2022
- Permalink
a copycat from the novel Dark Matter
Read the novel 3 weeks ago. The main theme and thread of this movie is exactly the same as "dark matter" by blake crouch but i dont see them giving any credit to the original book.
This movie is an oversimplification of the book. In the original (i'm 100% sure they were inspired by/stole the ideas from it) the protagonist went through a cascades of troubles to get back to his love. Traveled to dozens of multi-universes to finally get back to his world and got his version of girl back.
This knock off in comparison, leaves out all the intricacies and subtle emotions and psychological observations which made the real one successful.
Anyways, overall its not terrible, its watchable. Dialogues are very light, like they were written by elementary school students. So its a nice brainless relaxation, def worth it to watch it on a drunken miserable night alone at home.
This movie is an oversimplification of the book. In the original (i'm 100% sure they were inspired by/stole the ideas from it) the protagonist went through a cascades of troubles to get back to his love. Traveled to dozens of multi-universes to finally get back to his world and got his version of girl back.
This knock off in comparison, leaves out all the intricacies and subtle emotions and psychological observations which made the real one successful.
Anyways, overall its not terrible, its watchable. Dialogues are very light, like they were written by elementary school students. So its a nice brainless relaxation, def worth it to watch it on a drunken miserable night alone at home.
- kebab-43449
- Nov 10, 2022
- Permalink
The Alternate
- BandSAboutMovies
- Sep 12, 2022
- Permalink
Ruined by bad acting
Very interesting!
Somewhat expectedly disappointing.
Fun Concept... Mediocre Performances
Find another alternate
Such a bad story even more bad acting and silly script. Not worth wasting time on this movie. The way people traveled through portal was such a silly idea. Need to be more creative on inter dimensional travelling medium. So many things could have been shown in parallel universe travelling but writer focused only on family issue which killed the story completely. Climax was a disaster too.
In this age of high fi sci-fi movie this movie holds no special significance. Would suggest to avoid it. Movies like Everything Everywhere All at Once is really appealing when it comes to parallel universe story. This movie does not stand any chance.
In this age of high fi sci-fi movie this movie holds no special significance. Would suggest to avoid it. Movies like Everything Everywhere All at Once is really appealing when it comes to parallel universe story. This movie does not stand any chance.
- siddharth-61578
- Sep 14, 2022
- Permalink
Pretty good
Low budget ? Sure.
Engaging storyline ? Indeed.
Decent acting? Yep.
Additionally, the film boasts some truly impressive camerawork.
Being its first feature movie, director Alrik Bursell has crafted a streamlined sci-fi romp that never boxes above its weight while telling a relatable premise. At about 85 minutes to the credit run, The Alternate wastes little time either pondering or explaining the scientific "hows" of its story. It's all made up, it doesn't matter, and you won't care. Solid and convincing, it keeps the audience invested in the outcome of it all.
What else can you wish for ?
Engaging storyline ? Indeed.
Decent acting? Yep.
Additionally, the film boasts some truly impressive camerawork.
Being its first feature movie, director Alrik Bursell has crafted a streamlined sci-fi romp that never boxes above its weight while telling a relatable premise. At about 85 minutes to the credit run, The Alternate wastes little time either pondering or explaining the scientific "hows" of its story. It's all made up, it doesn't matter, and you won't care. Solid and convincing, it keeps the audience invested in the outcome of it all.
What else can you wish for ?
I dug it
- RBIves-202-725352
- Mar 22, 2023
- Permalink
Fun premise and great direction
This movie had a cool exploration of some interesting philosophical "what if" ideas through an original and intriguing sci-fi premise. Performances were just okay, but cinematography was solid: moody and dramatic. The music, sound design and editing were top notch. It felt a little bit like TV, but felt very pro for an independent movie. A bigger budget would fix that. Impressive first effort from the director. Excited to see what he does next!
If you like sci-fi or Twilight Zone-style explorations of of ontological questions (is it cheating if you're having sex with your wife in another dimension?), this is the one for you.
If you like sci-fi or Twilight Zone-style explorations of of ontological questions (is it cheating if you're having sex with your wife in another dimension?), this is the one for you.
- nathan-79888
- Apr 19, 2023
- Permalink
Awesome movie!
This movie had a really cool eerie vibe but still felt realistic. The storyline was really engaging and accomplished the effect of making it feel like you're in the movie, like all good movies do. I thought they did a great job at making this alternate world seem real. There was suspended disbelief but done in a way that was believable enough to keep you in the story.
I thought the performances were really great too. The way this movie is structured I think the actors had no easy task but they did a great job.
Camera work was awesome, the writing was great, good acting, what's there to complain about?!
I thought the performances were really great too. The way this movie is structured I think the actors had no easy task but they did a great job.
Camera work was awesome, the writing was great, good acting, what's there to complain about?!
- eric-91610
- Oct 5, 2022
- Permalink
Impressive directorial debut
Watched this last night with my husband, and we were both really impressed with this film. As filmmakers ourselves, it was so cool to see a character going through a really relatable struggle of trying to get their movie off the ground, and grappling with what they thought their filmmaking life would be and what the reality actually is.
We were engaged the entire time, especially with its fascinating concept that is surely going to inspire some conversation. The production value felt really high, and had solid performances all around. Great debut by a Alrik Bursell, looking forward to what he's got coming next.
We were engaged the entire time, especially with its fascinating concept that is surely going to inspire some conversation. The production value felt really high, and had solid performances all around. Great debut by a Alrik Bursell, looking forward to what he's got coming next.
- courtneysposato
- Sep 13, 2022
- Permalink
Solid Sci-Fi Indie Flick
An interesting take on the alternative reality take and what one would do to get the life they really wanted.
Had a unique take on following a lead character and a shift in the story arch. I thought the actors did an amazing role portraying not only themselves, but also the alternate versions as well.
The SFX were on point to progress the storyline, which for a Sci-fi film is a tricky task.
The overall cinematography was really well done and it was also a big concept to be executed within an indie budget. Looking forward to seeing more future projects from Alrik and this cast!
Highly recommended!
Had a unique take on following a lead character and a shift in the story arch. I thought the actors did an amazing role portraying not only themselves, but also the alternate versions as well.
The SFX were on point to progress the storyline, which for a Sci-fi film is a tricky task.
The overall cinematography was really well done and it was also a big concept to be executed within an indie budget. Looking forward to seeing more future projects from Alrik and this cast!
Highly recommended!
Absolutely Fantastic!
It drives me up the wall when I read reviews that claim a film has terrible acting and a poor script when, in actuality, the production was fantastic.
The Alternate is such a film. It is cleanly shot, and the acting is top-notch, and I was wholly invested in the movie the entire time.
I am a big fan of sci-fi films, especially independent flicks. This movie has everything going for it. The plot is strong, the pacing is perfect, and the conclusion is satisfying.
I am a novelist and filmmaker, and it bothers me when I see people grading a movie poorly simply because a major studio did not do it and the project doesn't feature big-name actors.
I loved the movie and would recommend it to anyone interested in watching a cool story.
The Alternate is such a film. It is cleanly shot, and the acting is top-notch, and I was wholly invested in the movie the entire time.
I am a big fan of sci-fi films, especially independent flicks. This movie has everything going for it. The plot is strong, the pacing is perfect, and the conclusion is satisfying.
I am a novelist and filmmaker, and it bothers me when I see people grading a movie poorly simply because a major studio did not do it and the project doesn't feature big-name actors.
I loved the movie and would recommend it to anyone interested in watching a cool story.
- Thrillseeker2255
- Sep 8, 2023
- Permalink
Worth watching, low average rating is unjustified
I didn't like it at first, it started miserable, the dim lit environment not helping, obviously a low budget film and the main actor had a jihardist beard that I found off-putting. However, the portal was kind of beautiful and hypnotic, so I carried on watching and then the plot began to engage. I'm glad I didn't give up. It does have something different to offer and an interesting ending as well. As someone who rarely bothered to write reviews, I hope anyone reading this appreciate my recommendation. Well I don't why this platform insists on having a minimum of 600 words to post a review, hence the dross.
- gnokial-59688
- Dec 16, 2023
- Permalink
Super fun enjoyable scifi movie
Support indie film, check it out!
Scratches all of the scifi itches that one would want from the film. Fantastic performances, lighting, and an overall excellent story. It has been awhile since I initially saw it but I have been recommending it to people left and right and everyone comes away happy. I think that this is a filmmaking team that is up and coming and everyone should keep paying attention to them.
There are a lot of schlocky scifi films out there that don't have the story to fit their budget but I think that all of the elements line up right in this one and the filmmakers are making the best of the resources that they have.
Scratches all of the scifi itches that one would want from the film. Fantastic performances, lighting, and an overall excellent story. It has been awhile since I initially saw it but I have been recommending it to people left and right and everyone comes away happy. I think that this is a filmmaking team that is up and coming and everyone should keep paying attention to them.
There are a lot of schlocky scifi films out there that don't have the story to fit their budget but I think that all of the elements line up right in this one and the filmmakers are making the best of the resources that they have.
- clintonjames-492-954680
- May 19, 2024
- Permalink