Dual is a 2022 American satirical science fiction thriller film written, directed, and produced by Riley Stearns. It stars Karen Gillan, Beulah Koale, Theo James, and Aaron Paul. The film premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival on January 22, 2022, and was released in the United States on April 15, 2022, by RLJE Films.
Plot
In the near future, Sarah (Karen Gillan) is a depressed woman in a lackluster relationship with her boyfriend Peter. After receiving a terminal diagnosis, she opts for a cloning procedure to create a replacement for her loved ones after her death. However, Sarah unexpectedly goes into full remission. When she attempts to have her clone decommissioned, she discovers that her clone (referred to as "Sarah's Double") has integrated into her life, and her mother and Peter prefer the clone. By law, the two must now participate in a publicized duel to the death. Sarah spends a year training with a combat instructor named Trent, and after a brief attempt to escape with her clone, the two ultimately face off. Sarah's Double wins the duel and assumes Sarah's identity, but finds herself just as depressed and unfulfilled as the original.
Cast
- Karen Gillan in a dual role as Sarah and Sarah's Double
- Beulah Koale as Trent
- Theo James as Robert
- Aaron Paul as Peter
Production
The film was announced in April 2020. Principal photography began in October 2020 and took place entirely in Tampere, Finland, due to travel restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The shoot lasted six weeks, with a budget of $4.5 million. Karen Gillan underwent an intensive fitness regimen for her role.
Release
The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 22, 2022, and at the Tampere Film Festival in Finland on March 12, 2022. It was released theatrically in the United States on April 15, 2022, and later on the streaming service AMC+ on May 20, 2022.
Reception
On Rotten Tomatoes, 70% of 150 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.4/10. The site's consensus reads: "Dual brings writer-director Riley Stearns' signature deadpan style to bear on a smart sci-fi comedy that's well-led by Karen Gillan in double roles." Metacritic assigned the film a score of 62 out of 100, indicating "generally favorable" reviews. The film earned $425,909 at the box office against a $4.5 million budget.
