MINOR PREMISE is a new sci-fi thriller for science fiction fans that is certainly worth watching. This is a debut and maybe this is why, despite having a runtime of 95 minutes, it feels a little too long. Please don't assume, however, that this is something which in any way ruins the movie.

In reality, Minor Premise's basic plot is intelligent and functions amazingly well. A very interesting film with amazing performances from its small cast.

What I really enjoyed about Minor Premise was seeing several different interpretations of the same character acted out by the lead actor. The film starts with the unintentional splitting of his own identity into separate fragments by Ethan (played wonderfully by Sathya Sridharan). This makes for a very different kind of split personality where just a few minutes at a time are given to each fragment.

Obviously, this requires quite a lot of the actor portraying Ethan, which Sathya Sridharan handles brilliantly. However, it also requires a lot from the person interacting with him for most of the movie. In this case, it’s Alli (Paton Ashbrook) who is also a scientist and a woman who used to date Ethan.

She becomes an anchor for both the audience and Ethan. A sort of “straight man” keeping it all realistic despite being very much a work of science fiction. Fortunately, Paton Ashbrook is an actor that manages to carry off this job rather perfectly which makes the entire story come together.

We do go around in circles for a bit which goes on for just five minutes longer than I would’ve liked. However, this is still such a small issue when looking at the full picture. Overall, I never became bored or tired with the plot, but it does require your full attention, so don’t attempt to “half-watch” this one. Not if you expect to actually understand it!

Watch Minor Premise in select theaters or On-Demand

Minor Premise was directed by Eric Schultz who also co-wrote the screenplay. This is a feature film debut for Eric Schultz who released his first short film earlier this year. That particular short film was called Premise and is the basis for his feature film debut. Complete with the same leading actor.

The screenplay was written by Justin Moretto and Thomas Torrey (along with Eric Schultz). This was also the team behind the short film. While I had not watched the short film prior to watching this feature, you could check it out without being spoiled. It’s more of a teaser for this feature film, so it’s safe to watch – you can check it out by clicking right here.

If the short film looks intriguing to you, then you should definitely enjoy this feature film.

Plot
Attempting to surpass his father’s legacy and pressured by an old colleague, a reclusive neuroscientist becomes entangled in his own risky experiment. Ethan has now locked himself in his home with his ex-girlfriend Allie and the two navigate trauma, ambition, and missteps of the past. Diving headfirst into the uncharted equations of the brain, they realize that there is more at stake than just their relationship or Ethan’s reputation. With time quickly running out, he is forced to face off against the darker sides of himself while frantically attempting to solve an enigma that lies within his subconscious.

Minor Premise is out in select theaters, virtual cinemas, and Digital & On Demand on December 4, 2020.