'The Shift': Lackluster Chemistry and Multiverse Confusion Diminishes Excitement in Heasley's Otherworldly Tale

'The Shift': Lackluster Chemistry and Multiverse Confusion Diminishes Excitement in Heasley's Otherworldly Tale

I always anticipate reviewing films that delve into otherworldly realms, and when "The Shift" crossed my path—a tale of a mysterious stranger with supernatural abilities thrust into a tyrannical parallel Earth to fight for love—I was all in.

“The Shift" centers around Kevin Garner (Kristoffer Polaha), a devout churchgoer whose idyllic existence takes a dark turn after meeting and marrying his dream woman, Molly (Elizabeth Tabish). Their blissful life is abruptly snatched away by a mysterious and unwavering stranger known as "the Benefactor" (Neal McDonough). He offers him power and wealth if he gives up the love of his life. What would you choose?

While "The Shift" is not a direct adaptation from the Book of Job, the story does focus on the fundamental lessons that are part of Job’s life. It offers, like the book, why, if there’s a real God, would it allow the suffering of an innocent soul? Think about that for a few minutes.

Kevin’s challenge to remain steadfast in the face of life's trials and tribulations is no different than what most of us experience daily.

I am not sure what the actual multiverse idea has to do with the story except to add a dramatic shortcut to everything happening to Kevin.

The character ‘The Benefactor’ reads more like a guardian from “The Matrix,” showing up at the scene of a horrible car accident where he explains to Kevin how all those realities work. There’s nothing new here, but it’s interesting to see how media is repeating the mantra that “Choice breeds infinite possibilities,” — explaining that a new universe branches off every time someone makes a decision.

The rules introduced are perplexing. Kevin understands this much, that The Benefactor can and does pluck people from one universe and “shifts” them to another, which prevents them from participating in their old lives. That’s how Kevin is stuck in a cold, terrifying authoritarian police state, where most of the film takes place. They are not allowed to pray or read any religious books. Kevin rebels, earning support from an underground of believers like Gabriel (Sean Astin). Kevin’s only goal is to get out of this dimension and find Molly.

First made as a 21-minute short film, “The Shift” demonstrates Heasley's passion for getting this story out into the world, which is commendable. However, in this film version, there is a real lack of chemistry between Kevin and Molly, which undermines the very core of the film.

Directed and written by Brock Heasley. Cinematography by Edd Lukas. Edited by Chris Witt. It stars Kristoffer Polaha, Neal McDonough, Sean Astin, Elizabeth Tabish, John Billingsley, Jason Marsden, Paras Patel, Rose Reid, and John Walker Ross.