The Mandela Effect

I was pleasantly surprised by how refreshingly accurate some of the computer science and physics concepts in this film were woven into a compelling story of loss, hope, and personal struggle. I'm a computer programmer myself, and I am always pleased when computer science concepts are represented at least half-ways accurately in a film. The Mandela Effect does a great job of this, with its realistic linux terminal and scripting scenes, and even demonstrating concepts like procedural programming by using scenes from actual modern video games. For entertainment value, there are of course other scenes that are not so life-like, but lend themselves well to the story without being incredulous. Likewise, it's really cool to see physics / cosmology / perceptual reality concepts portrayed in a way that conveys our real-life understanding of some pretty heavy metaphysical theories. I feel like the film strikes that ever-so-tricky balance between presenting real-life technology without Hackers-like ridiculousness, while also stretching the limits of truth by delving into the fiction side of sci-fi in a way that doesn't insult an educated audience's intelligence.

This movie is awesome. Before watching it I have set memories of my intelligence being high and not frequently dribbling into my shoes. Since watching I have found people acting towards me like I'm chronically stupid and my shoes are filled with drool. Its definitely a parallel reality.

I thought it would be more intellectually challenging, instead it took shortcuts in the story to get its point. But without real science, it wasn't even science fiction but just a mediocre drama film.

Great sci fi, as it was meant to be. Pew pew lasers and expensive CGI isn't needed to captivate your imagination. Better than so much of the Hollywood garbage being churned out, these days!

In reading the negative reviews here, something that pops up over and over is, "What a stupid concept, unrealistic, there are other explanations" etc etc ad nauseum. What these viewers need to understand is that this film isn't postulating this as a possibility. That's why it's called science FICTION. It is an interesting take on a commonly experienced mental aberration. Yes, there are many conspiracy theorists and people who believe this is actually possible. The inability to tell the difference between reality and fantasy is a widespread psychological problem. This should come as no surprise to anyone. This is a science fiction movie that states "What if?". It presents a concept, a climax, and a satisfactory resolution... which is all any movie should do. To discuss it further I'd have to go into spoilers, and not going to do that. If one saw this movie and didn't "get it", that's a shame because it has a very believable and understandable ending. Try not to read too much into things and just enjoy it as a fictional "what if?" scenario played through to its logical conclusion. That should help the viewer enjoy this film much more than if they try to tear apart the logic and reality of the premise. It's science fiction... emphasis on the fiction. In this case.... it's directed well, acted well, the story is consistent and holds together. We don't need to know the who or why or "is this really possible?". All of that is irrelevant to the story being told. All in all it's fairly well done. Note to parents: contains one F-bomb. Would have been a better film without it, but there's modern film-making for you. Never write something intelligent when a quick obscenity will do.

I'm a believer in alternative / parallel universes... and this movie did not do that theory justice. The potential is there.. I would love this plot redone properly.