Watch Doppelganger Paul

"Doppelganger Paul" is a 2011 dark comedy film that delves into the complexities of identity, authorship, and the bond between unlikely friends. The independent Canadian production showcases the talents of actors Arabella Bushnell, Ben Cotton, and Brad Dryborough, among others, under the direction of Dylan Akio Smith and Kris Elgstrand, who co-wrote the screenplay.

The film opens by introducing us to Karl, played by Tygh Runyan, a brooding eccentric with a passion for writing who has recently survived a potentially fatal car accident. Bearing the emotional and physical scars of this experience, Karl finds himself in an existential state and struggles to make sense of his life and place in the world.

By chance, Karl meets Nicki (played by Arabella Bushnell), an aimless and quirky drifter who inadvertently enters his life and begins to highlight Karl's sense of disconnect. Their encounter is the beginning of a peculiar relationship characterized by both humor and pathos, reflecting the loneliness and inner turmoil of the characters.

Meanwhile, Paul (portrayed by Brad Dryborough), a character whose exact nature and relationship to Karl are intriguing and complex, is introduced. Paul's life, marked by a lack of direction and a sense of inadequacy, becomes fatally intertwined with Karl's when he discovers a manuscript Karl has lost. This manuscript is Karl's unfinished novel, a work that holds significant emotional value and potentially holds the power to alter the course of his stagnant life.

Nicki, an unexpected ally to both men, gets caught up in their journey. Her interactions with Karl and Paul add to the offbeat and whimsical elements of the storyline, as the trio engages in unconventional methods to resolve their intertwined predicaments.

Amidst the peculiar events that unfold, the film explores the delicate concept of a 'doppelganger'. In folklore, a doppelganger is a double or apparition of a living person. The idea poses questions about what it means to encounter another version of oneself, as well as the existential dread that could accompany such an experience. "Doppelganger Paul" cleverly weaves this mythology into its narrative to confront issues of personal identity, the shared human experience, and individuality.

As Karl and Paul's fates become more deeply entangled, the film probes into themes of obsession and the drastic measures individuals take when faced with the potential loss of their distinctive selves. With the manuscript acting as a pivotal element of contention between them, tensions rise, and the characters must confront the blurred lines between their own identities and the identities they project or desire.

Ben Cotton plays a supporting role, rounding out the eclectic cast of characters that populate the offbeat world of "Doppelganger Paul." His involvement, along with the rest of the supporting cast, adds further dimension to the story, enhancing the quirky ambiance and enriching the interactions between the main characters.

The film makes use of dark humor to address serious themes, offering viewers a mix of laughter and contemplation. Its quirky tone is amplified by the characters' peculiar mannerisms and the film’s original dialogue, which oscillates between poetic and absurd.

Visually, the film employs a range of styles that mirror the unconventional nature of the narrative. The director uses imaginative camerawork and a unique color palette to create a surreal atmosphere, which serves to accentuate the internal landscapes of the characters. This approach helps to illustrate the psychological distances that exist between them, despite their physical proximities.

"Doppelganger Paul" is not a movie for everyone. It challenges the audience, requiring an appreciation for indie cinema's often non-linear storytelling and ambiguous resolutions. Viewers looking for a straightforward narrative may find the film's pacing and complexity unsettling. However, those who are drawn to thought-provoking films that explore the nuances of the human condition will likely find the film a rewarding and memorable experience.

The movie implicitly invites its audience to reflect on their own relationships with others and with themselves. "Doppelganger Paul" is an invitation to quite literally meet oneself – an exploration of what it means when the person staring back from the mirror might have his own agenda.

As the characters wrestle with their internal and external conflicts, "Doppelganger Paul" moves toward a conclusion that remains loyal to its idiosyncratic roots. Without revealing too much, the film's end aims to offer closure while still leaving room for interpretation, allowing the story to linger in the minds of viewers long after the credits roll.

Doppelganger Paul is a 2011 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.