Dual - SPOILER-FREE Review | Sundance 2022
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© Sundance Institute
Directed by: Riley Stearns
Written by: Riley Stearns
Starring: Karen Gillan, Aaron Paul, Beulah Koale
Runtime: 95 min
Synopsis: Recently diagnosed with a rare and incurable disease, Sarah (Karen Gilian) is unsure how to process the news. To help ease her friends’ and family’s impending loss, she is encouraged to participate in a simple futuristic cloning procedure called “Replacement,” after which Sarah’s last days will be spent teaching the clone how to live on as Sarah once she’s gone. But while it takes only an hour for a clone to be made, things become significantly more challenging when that double is no longer wanted.
© Sundance Institute
Editor's Note: Original review was written for Filmhounds Magazine. Full article can be found below.
REVIEW SUMMARY
Dual boasts an intriguing, high-concept premise that entirely commits to Riley Stearns' deadpan satire. But despite being full of purpose and intent, the latter component is taken to such an extreme that it negatively impacts everything which surrounds it. Every filmmaking and storytelling element feels incredibly underwhelming and ultimately hollow. Audiences will struggle to find enjoyment in a world full of interesting ideas; infused with divisive execution.
