PG Score: 7.5/10
Dual was released in theaters on 4/15/21
Dual is a dark sci-fi comedy thriller directed by Riley Stearns (The Art of Self-Defense) and starring Karen Gillian (Guardians of the Galaxy). Gillian stars in opposing roles as Sarah and Sarah’s clone double. Not the first time Gillian has played different versions of the same character in a film (Avengers: Endgame); she excels and brings a nuanced performance, making it easy to differentiate between characters. A small supporting cast leaves the majority of the film on Gillian’s shoulders, but she handles it and plays well off of Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad), who plays her survivalist trainer, Trent.
Plot
Dual take us to a futuristic world where cloning is a viable option as a gift for the soon-to-be-deceased’s loved ones. Gillian as Sarah is diagnosed with a terminal illness with a 98% certainty of death, and decides to leave a clone of herself behind for her loved ones. At the start of the film she is someone who is going through the motions, feeling disconnected from her mother (Majia Paunio) and her boyfriend (Beulah Koale). Jump forward months later, and Sarah is living better and feeling better than ever. Unfortunately for her, her clone has ingratiated herself with her family and her mom and Peter like her clone even more than her. Add that to finding out she’s misdiagnosed and...let the fun begin.
Gillian Continues to Shine
Dual is a fun little film that combines a bit of sci-fi with dark humor and some cringe-worthy moments (the very beginning of the film especially). An original story with a unique take on life and fighting for your right to survive, there has not been a movie like this before that I have seen. Karen Gillian continues to shine in everything she touches and Dual is no exception. See it in the theater or see it at home, but I would definitely recommend seeing this film when you get some time.