Interesting and divisive, the movie Dual takes on the subject of double identity and cloning. While the story does have some nice scenes, however, the predictability is high that you will know how it will all end. That said, the movie does have its “what if” moments and the actors are on spot with their characters.
It’s sometime in the future where cloning is legal and we find Sarah (Karen Gillan) being troubled with frequent bloody convulsions. Her doctor says she will die from her malady and there is no cure. There is a 2% chance she will live, but she should not count on it. Sarah gets introduced to cloning as an alternative and is in favor of it, especially since the double will live a long healthy life. She decides in favor as it will be good for all concerned that she will still be around even if it’s only her clone. How nice it would be for her mom (Maija Paunio) and her boyfriend Peter (Beulah Koale).
But, the 2% kicks in and it all starts to change. Director and writer Riley Stearns puts everything into perspective from the opening scene. It’s a cool idea, but as the film plays out you quickly know where everything is heading. Had he waited until all the characters were set and established, the film would not have been so predictable. Coupled with some obviousness from dialogue pivotal scenes, you may even guess the ending as well.
It was good to see Aaron Paul back up on the big screen, he’s been conspicuously missing in theatrical acting. Since 2014 he’s been working mostly in TV acting, but not the caliber of Breaking Bad, where he dominated the hit show along with Bryan Cranston. Here he’s Sarah’s self-survival instructor Trent who puts her in shape for her intended duel.
As for Karen Gillan, she does a terrific job of playing opposite herself and really makes both Sarah’s believable. I could find no faults with her excellent acting and it gave her a chance to play a role that not too many actresses have had to cope. Try looking in the mirror and calling yourself out with some nasty lines. She’s already had a good career as Marvel’s Nebula appearing in that role since 2014. You can see her in Thor: Love and Thunder that’s in theaters as you read this column.
Dual has been rated R by the MPAA for violent content, some sexual content, language and graphic nudity. It is available on Blu-ray and DVD wherever you purchase home video.
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Karen Gillan, Aaron Paul, Theo James, Maija Paunio as Sarah’s Mother and Beulah Koale as Peter
Directed and Written by: Riley Stearns
Genre: Sci-fi, Fantasy
MPAA Rating: R for violent content, some sexual content, language and graphic nudity
Running Time: 1hr, 34 min.
Video Release Date: July 19, 2022
Language: English
Reviewed Format: Blu-ray
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish
Distributed by: RLJE Films
Released on: DVD, Blu-ray
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
