Minor Premise

Minor Premise is an intense and engaging science fiction drama released in 2020. Directed by Eric Schultz, with a screenplay written by Eric Schultz, Thomas Torrey, and Justin Moretto, this film brings a fresh outlook to the genre. The movie stars Sathya Sridharan in the leading role, featuring Paton Ashbrook and Dana Ashbrook in supportive roles.

The narrative focuses on a troubled yet brilliant neuroscientist named Ethan Kochar (played by Sathya Sridharan). Ethan is seen grappling with the throes of latent alcoholism, reeling under the pressure of living in the shadow of his highly successful father, whose work in the field of neuroscience is legendary. Ethan embarks on a quest to outshine his father’s accomplishments and fill in the huge shoes he left behind.

Set in a modest basement lab, the movie dramatizes a chilling voyage into the human brain that opens up a Pandora’s box of ethical dilemmas and existential questions. The central premise of the movie involves Ethan's attempt to surpass his father's achievements by developing a groundbreaking device capable of influencing the ten segments of the human mind. As an unyieldd scientist, he experiments with the device on himself, but unfortunately, the experiment takes a disastrous turn. The narrative treads carefully without cheapening the complexity of the science involved or oversimplifying the narrative to the level of common tropes.

Minor Premise consistently pulls the audience into a tale of physiological and psychological exploration where nothing is what it seems. The calculated risks taken by Ethan blur the lines between human emotions and scientific innovations. One small error spirals out of control, splitting his consciousness into several parts and pulling him further away from reality.

As Ethan grapples with the aftermath of his experiment, navigating through the multiple dynamics and peculiarities each personality presents, he becomes a walking time bomb riddled with the fluctuations of his aberrant ego states. Former girlfriend and fellow scientist Alli, played by the talented Paton Ashbrook, treads a perilous path to help Ethan regain control and piece together his fragmented personality before it’s too late.

The film reflects Ethan’s inner turmoil through Sridharan's mesmerizing performance, presenting a profound perspective on scientific ambition, human emotions, and cognitive functions. In essence, his captivating portrayal of a scientist's relentless pursuit of knowledge at the brink of self-destruction carves out the true essence of the movie.

Paton Ashbrook as Alli offers a pragmatic counterbalance to Ethan’s audacious disposition. A vital character in the plot, Alli unravels the mystery from the sidelines, battling time and unpredictability. Her character serves as a voice of reason, offering a crucial lifeline as she desperately tries to stabilize Ethan’s rapidly disintegrating reality.

Minor Premise is not your usual science fiction fare that relies heavily on special effects and CGI. Instead, it chooses to focus on its intimate narrative that explores the depths of the human psyche, turning the spotlight on a bold, intricate storyline venturing into realms of consciousness that both provoke and mystify.

As the narrative unfolds, it manages to sustain tension and creates a sense of urgent dread that keeps the viewers on edge. The storytelling is dense and symbolically rich, punctuated by challenging thematic elements and allegorical layers. It is a thought-provoking movie that gratifies those seeking intellectual stimulation, reserving its unique blend of character study, science, and suspense for cinema connoisseurs.

The haunting score and atmospheric cinematography also deserve a special mention for their contribution to the overall arc of the plot. The music provides the ideal ambiance for the interpersonal and inner conflict Ethan faces. Similarly, the cinematography elevates the narrative’s tense mood and enhances the claustrophobic confinement of Ethan’s lab and mind.

Minor Premise effectively combines drama, psychology, and hard science fiction elements, resulting in a gripping ride for the audience. With its intriguing plot, captivating performance, and impressive direction, it stands as an ambitious cinematic achievement and an engrossing journey into the human mind.

Overall, Minor Premise injects a level of depth and intelligence that is not common in most mainstream movies. It is a diamond in the rough for those seeking a cerebral, existential exploration, a movie that investigates not just the boundaries of scientific discovery but also the limits of human resilience and the essence of identity.