The Parallel

Set against the backdrop of the 1960s space race and Cold War era, the story uses era-specific details like John F. Kennedy to anchor the premise. The plot hinges on a leap across parallel timelines, framed by the period's scientific optimism and geopolitical tension. The timeline stretch emphasizes how memory can be unreliable when worlds collide.

The narrative shifts between Gaines' Earthly home and the space capsule, with a detour into a parallel Earth where familiar landmarks vanish or shift. The changing scenery—like the mysterious white picket fence—highlights the tension between memory and reality. Investigations compare the capsule to an identical craft, underscoring the crossing of worlds.

🧭 Identity

The protagonist grapples with a fractured sense of self as memories and ranks blur across universes. He must decide which version of his life is real while loved ones notice the discrepancies. The film probes how personal continuity is maintained when reality itself is unstable.

🌀 Reality

Reality becomes malleable as timelines diverge, with details like the fence and presidency shifting between worlds. The narrative explores how perception can redefine truth when multiple realities interact, challenging characters to discern what is authentic.

🏠 Home

Home and memory anchor the drama, only to be tested as the house changes and a familiar father figure becomes unfamiliar. The evolving sense of home mirrors the protagonist's struggle to hold on to his identity and relationships across dimensions.