The concept of the multiverse has recently been incorporated into a number of movies and TV shows ranging through several genres– it’s an idea that has passed the science fiction barrier to be added as an element that drives a story. Some plots seem to use it properly to their advantage, while others get negative results from its poor execution. The Alternate lays out the pros and cons of using something worn out, but entertaining.

Jake (Ed Gonzalez Moreno) wants to be a filmmaker, but the opportunity he so desperately wants seems to be further and further from entering his timeline. Waiting for his dream to come true, Jake shoots and edits corporate videos. During a day of filming, his co-worker detects a glitch on the monitor, but it’s not a simple equipment failure– the glitch is also present in the recording. While editing the footage, Jake zooms and renders the so-called glitch to take a closer look. When he finally projects the final cut into his screen, a vortex/portal comes to life in a perfect resolution. He seems hypnotized by his new screensaver, and decides, for some reason, to throw a football on the projection. To his surprise, the football is transported to another place, and now Jake is curious to see what’s on the other side. Once he crosses over the portal, he’s transported to a life where everything he has wished for has come to fruition– a family, a big house, a heated pool, and his short film finally produced into a feature film. Will he be able to live with this idea without being tempted to usurp his self’s life from another universe?

The Alternate is a sci-fi thriller with a lot of boundaries even with its impressive editing. It’s a high-quality independent film with a decently structured story, strong acting, and references to other sci-fi stories that form part of pop culture– there comes a point where it becomes fun to find them. But, the last thing isn’t entirely a good thing, especially when it overshadows other aspects of the film.

There seems to be some limitations in the script. As an indie film, it is understandable a budget might set things back and force the crew to rearrange some ideas. But when your film looks expensive enough to be released by a major studio, there shouldn’t be setbacks on the development of the story. The main problem is the dialogue– it’s not rich enough to assimilate the visual it has standardized for its product. It contains very plain lines that seem generic and part of a template set for any picture dealing with the same theme and subject.

The Alternate is a what-if thriller leaving the door open for future sequels that could have a lot of potential if it attracts viewers into becoming a cult film. It might not have a polished script, but it sure has a lot to deliver to the audience with its action-packed eerie sequences that may seem gruesome for some during its final act.

8 OUT OF 10 SPACE DRIVES