Parallels
Here's what we found in Parallels. Every family is different — get a report that reflects yours.
Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Parallels
Parallels (2015) is a science-fiction adventure film that plunges viewers into the intriguing concept of alternate realities. The narrative follows estranged siblings Ronan and Beatrix Carver, who, alongside their neighbor Harry, discover a mysterious building that serves as a conduit to an infinite number of parallel Earths. As they navigate diverse and often perilous alternate worlds, from post-apocalyptic landscapes to technologically advanced societies, they embark on a quest to find their missing father and unravel the enigmatic secrets connecting their family to this interdimensional phenomenon. Originally conceived as a television pilot, the movie offers a compelling premise filled with suspense and exploration, making it suitable for a young adult and adult audience interested in complex sci-fi narratives and adventure without a conclusive ending.
Things to Consider
Violence
The movie contains moderate to high levels of sci-fi violence, including depictions of post-apocalyptic destruction, physical altercations, and the use of lethal force. Characters face immediate threats and engage in defensive and offensive actions.
In one parallel Earth, the protagonists emerge to find a city devastated by a nuclear strike, highlighting a catastrophic event. The character Tinker explains that his world was destroyed by a suitcase nuke, resulting in the deaths of his wife and child. Ronan subdues Tinker with a chokehold and later punches him to prevent him from detonating another device. Alex Carver, the father, shoots and kills Tinker during a confrontation.
Would these 1 concern matter to your family?
Get a report based on your values — not generic ratings.
Romance and Sexual Content
Romance and sexual content in the film are minimal and mild, primarily consisting of implied crushes and subtle romantic tension without any explicit sexual acts, nudity, or graphic intimacy. The focus remains on the adventure and character relationships rather than romantic entanglement.
Scary & Intense Content
The film contains intense and suspenseful situations arising from its sci-fi premise. This includes scenes of characters being thrust into dangerous, post-apocalyptic environments, facing armed threats, and being held captive, contributing to a sense of peril and urgency.
Disrespect & Rebellion
The movie includes elements of disrespect and rebellion, particularly concerning familial relationships and authority figures. Characters display estranged relationships and motivations driven by a desire to escape parental influence or confront perceived wrongs.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The film "Parallels (2015)" does not feature any explicit LGBTQ+ characters, themes, or discussions of gender identity. All identified romantic or relational dynamics are heterosexual, and there is no mention of same-sex relationships, transgender characters, or queer representation within the narrative.
Profanity
The film does not prominently feature strong profanity. Reviews and plot summaries do not highlight the use of offensive language as a significant element or concern within the 2015 movie's dialogue.
Witchcraft & Occult
The film's premise is strictly science fiction, revolving around parallel dimensions and a mysterious, technologically advanced building. There are no elements of witchcraft, sorcery, magic, occult rituals, demons, or supernatural phenomena depicted in the narrative.
Substance Use
There is no significant depiction or discussion of substance use, such as alcohol consumption, drug use, or smoking, within the 2015 movie. Any brief mentions are absent from critical reviews and plot summaries.
Anti-Christian Themes
The film does not explicitly present any anti-Christian themes. There are no instances of characters mocking Christian beliefs, engaging in sacrilegious acts, or promoting anti-Christian messages. The narrative is largely devoid of overt religious content, positive or negative.
The 2015 film "Parallels" presents a worldview centered on the resilience of family bonds and the persistent human drive for truth and connection, even when confronted with a multiverse of possibilities. While not overtly religious, the narrative subtly reinforces biblical values such as the enduring importance of family, the quest for understanding, and the consequences of one's choices across different realities. Characters are primarily motivated by their search for a missing father and later a lost mother, highlighting a universal desire for familial reconciliation and wholeness. The film explores moral ambiguities, particularly through the actions of Alex Carver, whose intentions may be complex, and Tinker, driven by revenge, prompting discussions about justice and the impact of personal loss. The overarching worldview is largely scientific and materialistic, given the nature of the 'Building' as a technological device for interdimensional travel rather than a supernatural phenomenon. There is no explicit representation of faith or a transcendent view of life within the story. However, themes of sacrifice and individual responsibility are woven into the plot as the protagonists continually risk their safety to protect one another and uncover the truth. The portrayal of family, initially marked by estrangement and secrets, ultimately leans towards the potential for healing and the importance of perseverance. The absence of direct religious content means the film avoids anti-Christian themes, but also lacks positive faith depiction, allowing for parental discussions on broader concepts of destiny, free will, and the search for meaning in a complex existence.
Additional Context
Best For Ages
14+ (Teens and up). The film contains intense sci-fi violence, including scenes of nuclear devastation and physical confrontations, along with mature themes of family estrangement, moral ambiguity, and characters facing life-threatening situations. The unrated status and the nature of the content suggest it is best suited for a discerning teenage audience.
Good to Know
It is crucial for parents to distinguish this 2015 'Parallels' movie, which was an unrated TV pilot, from the 2022 French TV series also titled 'Parallels' released on Disney+. Many online reviews and parental guides for the Disney+ series contain content descriptions (e.g., specific profanity, underage drinking, awkward romances) that do not apply to the 2015 film. This analysis strictly pertains to the 2015 movie. The film ends on a significant cliffhanger, as it was intended to be a pilot for a series that was never fully developed, which may be frustrating for viewers seeking narrative closure.
What are you watching next?
Screen any title in seconds — even ones no one else has reviewed.
No credit card required — join hundreds of families