
The Social Experiment
2022

2020
Director
Benjamin Ross Hayden
Runtime
86 minutes
Average Rating
No ratings yetSynopsis
In the near future, technology firm Red-Eye is on the verge of developing a revolutionary contact lens that records human sight to replicate memories. When the company’s lead researcher is murdered, Detective Thomas Elliot, and researcher Margo Elson are drawn into searching deeper to apprehend an elusive digital shapeshifter. Soon, both are threatened by their past as they seek to uncover what this dangerous artificial intelligence is trying to consume.
Overall Score
Fair
Category Breakdown
LGBTQ+ Representation
The film lacks explicit depictions of non-cisnormative identities or same-sex intimacy. The plot focuses on procedural mystery and technological threats rather than queer character arcs.
Gender Representation
Margo Elson provides professional agency as a co-protagonist alongside Detective Thomas Elliot. This dual-protagonist structure disrupts traditional genre hierarchies by placing a female researcher at the center of the investigation.
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
The inclusion of indigenous themes suggests an effort to move beyond Anglo-centric sci-fi tropes. A diverse top-billed cast further supports a non-homogeneous demographic approach to the story.
Religious & Cultural Diversity
The narrative critiques unchecked capitalism through the lens of the Red-Eye corporation. It explores how technology might commodify human consciousness and disrupt individual identity.
Disability Representation
While the story involves sensory technology like contact lenses, there is no evidence of neurodivergence or physical disabilities being portrayed as central character traits.
Strengths
Areas for Improvement
AI Analysis
Parallel Minds functions as a speculative thriller that uses high-concept science fiction to explore identity and digital consumption. It succeeds in elevating female agency by positioning Margo Elson as a central driver of the plot, rather than a secondary character. The film also shows promise through its integration of indigenous themes, which helps ground its speculative elements in a broader cultural context. This approach moves the narrative away from standard Western sci-fi tropes. However, the film lacks visible LGBTQ+ representation and provides no clear evidence regarding disability or neurodivergence. The focus remains primarily on the technological and corporate conflict.

2022

2020

2020

2023

2017

2019

2021

2017

2016

2025

2010

2019
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!
Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.