There’s a certain science to art, as writer-director Gaurav Seth knows well from his working relationship with Multiverse writer Doug Taylor; a synergy of all the moving parts to make a working whole. I’m not going to pretend to know a lot about science, much less quantum mechanics (which is what the concept of a multiverse is based in) but it’s precisely the thing that drew Seth to the project when Taylor brought him the script for the indie sci-fi.
The film follows four brilliant university students who are forced to confront themselves in terrifying ways when their quantum physics experiment leads to an entangled parallel existence that leaves them questioning who they are and what is real.
"The concept of the multiverse — of quantum mechanics — has always fascinated me," Seth said.
"When a good friend of mine, screenwriter Doug Taylor, sent [the script] to me, I was totally hooked. I read the script, I absolutely loved it — I really wanted to do something with this concept. I hadn’t come across a story about the subject matter quite like this before."
The script had already been in development for a few years before crossing Seth’s desk when the producers were looking for a director, and after he and Taylor worked on the story together a little more, "within three months of originally reading the script, we were ready to roll," he said.
As a screenwriter himself, Seth had his own take on the story.
"The original script had a different ending. It occurred to me that the ending could be different; that it would make a better ending if we looped it back in — without giving too much away," he laughs. "As soon as I read the script, I thought, 'it would be great if that happened [instead].'" And Taylor was on board.
Multiverse is their first project together, though Taylor has consulted on a few of Seth’s previous scripts.
"I’ve never directed something he’d written, so I was really eager when this chance came up."
As to which hat he prefers wearing on a production, Seth says, "I am a writer and a director. I enjoy both aspects. ... They’re such different creative processes. They both have their own unique advantages — I love the writing aspect, and as a director, it doesn’t really matter whether the material is yours or not, if you can manage to make it yours, your take on it, which is basically furthering the idea, then I think that’s the perfect situation," he said. "That’s why it works so well with Multiverse. Just having known [Taylor] for years — the level of trust — I was able to bring my take to it and he was very open and perceptive to it, and that made it easy for me to make the material mine."
For Seth, the sci-fi element made it the perfect material for him; as did having the right team.
"I love sci-fi. It allows me to put my characters in very interesting, dramatic situations. The technical aspect is always interesting and challenging, and on top of that, one of our lead characters [Academy® Award winner Marlee Matlin] is a deaf actor and that added a layer of complication," he said.
But Seth is quick to add that while challenging, it was a very rewarding experience despite the tight budget and schedule.
"If you assemble the right team, the right cast — you have to work hard; put in all the prep — but it’s extremely rewarding."
He’s pleased with what the Multiverse actors brought that perhaps wasn’t even on the page and believes that being mutually open to each other’s ideas is the best approach to filmmaking.
"Good actors do that; that’s what you expect as a director. I always see myself as one of the co-creators of the character — writer, director, actor — the actor always brings in their vision," he said. "This case was no different. Every one of these characters brought their own take that furthered and enriched the story in really great ways."
When it comes to indie filmmaking, Seth’s philosophy is simple: be honest with yourself.
"The danger with sci-fi is you tend to get attracted to things you think are cool; the 'it' thing right now ... but you need to make sure that the idea connects with you on a personal level. Low-budget filmmaking takes a toll," he chuckles. "Always do a gut check. I’m very conscious of the first time I read an idea or story — that is the most honest and true reaction you’ll ever have. That’s what will carry you through the process. ... It’s going to get tough, but you can always revert to that original spark. Hold onto that feeling. Be confident in yourself and at peace with what you’ve done."
Seth and Taylor’s Multiverse hits U.S. theaters today and will be available On Demand and Digital Nov. 16 with DVD and Blu-Ray available Jan. 11, 2022.