In the sci-fi short Parallel Partners, filmmaker Christopher Sheffield explores the desire for human connection across parallel universes.
Logan (Francisco Marquez) is a scientist who accidentally created a device that allows people to communicate across parallel universes. The story opens with Logan in the middle of nowhere, activating his device and seeing his counterpart, Anya (Meredith Vivian). Their excitement at finally meeting face-to-face is matched by an even stronger desire to cross the barrier.
Anya is determined to be with Logan, but at what cost?
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“Their excitement at finally meeting face-to-face is matched by an even stronger desire to cross the barrier.”
That Parallel Partners runs only five minutes shows how director Christopher Sheffield poses a big question about crossing parallel universes and presents a single climactic sci-fi moment. He uses this storytelling tool effectively to capture the emotions surrounding this moment in time, and by leaving the ending open, he forces us to wonder what could be.
As far as the visual effects are concerned, they are pretty simple to propel the story and give it plausibility. Yet, unless you have a large budget to hire ILM—sure, more could have been done. Parallel Partners is an admirable effort and perfect for film festival runs.
"…One climactic moment, infinite possibilities."
