Director-screenwriter-actor Brian Follmer invites audiences to experience a sci-fi drama romance with a twisted, raw, and petty tone. A Perfect Copy follows a couple, Hansel (Brian Follmer) and Deb (Kat Eaton). Deb is an aspiring playwright from a well-to-do family, while Hansel is a jobless alcoholic. On the opening night of her arthouse play about childbirth, she breaks up with him. Deb is tired of Hansel’s insecurities and needs time away from him. The break-up causes Hansel to embrace his worst instincts, like stalking her at her parents’ house.
One day when he is scrolling his social media feed, Hansel stumbles upon a medical company that will clone your significant other. Luckily, he finds a clump of Deb’s hair and takes it to the facility. Hansel is able to start over with the Deb Clone, and their relationship blossoms. He appreciates her support and earnest view of the world. When Deb comes over to apologize and rekindle the relationship, she discovers his clone girlfriend. It seems like a course correction until he discovers Deb is with a Hansel Clone out in public. This instigates Hansel to act hostile and vindictive towards her. He becomes extremely pissed off when she and the Hansel Clone move across the street from them. It stirs up negative feelings because it is the house that Deb’s parents were supposed to buy for them.
Hansel (Brian Follmer) and Deb (Kat Eaton) embrace in bed in a tender scene from A Perfect Copy.
“One day when he is scrolling his social media feed, Hansel stumbles upon a medical company that will clone your significant other.”
Life goes on. Hansel and the Deb Clone have a daughter, Matilda (Leena Maria Chaouki), while Deb and her clone have a son, Cole (Leo Brien). The children instantly become friends. Deb is kind and welcoming, having Matilda over for hangouts. Hansel, who is still holding a grudge against his ex, tries to separate the friendship. Cracks begin to show in Hansel and Deb Clone’s domestic bliss, which leads to their daughter acting out. It does not help that there are considerable class differences between Matilda and Cole. The couple sees a therapist (Cory Loykasek) to resolve their issues and meet their daughter’s needs. Deb and the Hansel Clone seemingly have a normal relationship, yet her husband shares the same self-destructive behavior as her ex. The film takes a dark turn quickly with psychological abuse, unresolved trauma, and a deranged ending.
Follmer handles this science fiction concept with restraint. He creates a suspenseful tone through intimate performances. Both he and Kat Eaton shine as multiple versions of Hansel and Deb. His world is not some off-kilter version of reality; there are no split personalities or body horror elements. The “monster” is one’s inner rage and unresolved emotions. Beyond the performances and compelling storyline, there is fantastic cinematography by Adrian Sierkowski. His camera work especially stands out with several clone scenes, and the seams of having multiple characters there are spotless. You never sense a visual effect is poking out because simple objects, like trees or a backyard patio, frame the imagery.
A Perfect Copy is a gripping fable for those yearning for a love life. It shows what happens when a man acts irrationally and does not resolve his inner turmoil. Even with the film’s more disturbing elements, there are genuine moments. It is a high-concept film that follows through and lets the audience be engrossed in the struggles of our protagonists. Thankfully, Follmer avoids tech babble and overly plotted contrivances, which can make sci-fi and horror a chore to watch these days. This is a sophisticated romance-drama film that will appeal to an audience beyond the sci-fi and horror crowds.
"…It seems like a course correct, until he discovers Deb is with a Hansel Clone out in public."
