Multiplicity

I watched Multiplicity and I liked it. 3.5/5

–

There are a few undeniable facts in life: time is never on our side, cloning is a risky business, and Michael Keaton is a national treasure. Multiplicity (1996), directed by Harold Ramis, takes all three of these truths and blends them into a sci-fi comedy that asks, What if you could clone yourself to get more done, only to realize you’re still an idiot?

The film, which was probably ahead of its time when it hit theaters, delivers a fun, if occasionally uneven, comedic ride. It leans heavily on Keaton’s ability to play multiple versions of himself, each one more exaggerated than the last, and while some jokes land better than others, the movie ultimately succeeds as an entertaining, lighthearted look at the chaos of modern life. It may not be Groundhog Day levels of brilliance, but it’s a clever, well-acted comedy that deserves more love than it gets.

The Premise – A Simple Idea Gone Hilariously Wrong

Doug Kinney (Michael Keaton) is your classic overworked, stressed-out family man. He’s drowning in responsibilities—his demanding construction job, his wife Laura (Andie MacDowell), their kids, and the never-ending honey-do list at home. Doug is the kind of guy who just wants a second to himself, but life won’t let him have it.

Enter Dr. Leeds (Harris Yulin), a mysterious scientist who casually offers Doug the ultimate solution: cloning. He can have another him to handle some of his workload. With barely a second thought (which, in hindsight, is mistake number one), Doug agrees, and Clone #1 is born.

At first, it seems perfect. Clone #1—who goes by “Two”—is an alpha male, a more confident and efficient version of Doug who handles all the work stress, allowing the real Doug to relax a little. But as expected, one clone isn’t enough. Before long, Doug has Clone #3 (“Three”), a more sensitive, emotionally in-tune version of himself to help at home, and Clone #4 (“Four”), who… well, let’s just say he’s not the brightest bulb in the box.

As Doug’s clones spiral out of control, so does his life, leading to a series of chaotic, ridiculous situations that make for some genuinely hilarious moments.

Michael Keaton Steals the Show – Four Times Over

The real reason Multiplicity works at all is Michael Keaton. This is a full-blown showcase of his comedic talents, and he absolutely nails it. Playing multiple versions of himself could have easily turned into a gimmick, but Keaton brings enough variety to each clone that they all feel distinct.

• Doug (Original) – Stressed, frazzled, constantly in a state of near-collapse. He’s relatable in that “why is life like this?” way.
• Clone Two – The take-charge, hyper-competent version of Doug. A bit of a jerk, but effective.
• Clone Three – The soft, nurturing, almost too sensitive version. This Doug enjoys cooking and getting in touch with his emotions.
• Clone Four – The… let’s say special Doug. He’s essentially a copy of a copy, so his intelligence is, well, compromised. His childlike antics could have been annoying, but Keaton manages to make him weirdly lovable.

Keaton’s ability to bounce between these personalities, sometimes in the same scene, is genuinely impressive. The way he interacts with himself is so seamless, you sometimes forget you’re watching special effects.

The Comedy – Great Concept, Uneven Execution

Multiplicity is a comedy that lives and dies by its premise, and for the most part, it does a good job delivering laughs. The early parts of the film, where Doug first realizes the benefits of having a clone, are some of the funniest. Watching Two take over at work, Three handle all the home life responsibilities, and Four… well, just exist, leads to some fantastic moments.

The best comedic bits come from the clones’ personalities clashing with each other and with real Doug. The dinner scene, where all the Dougs are trying to hide from Laura at the same time, is peak farce. The film also milks a lot of humor from the classic sitcom-style misunderstandings—Laura starts noticing something is off, and the clones get increasingly sloppy in covering for Doug.

That said, the humor is a little inconsistent. Some jokes run too long, and the slapstick with Clone Four can be hit or miss. The film also leans hard into gender stereotypes—Clone Three being overly emotional is played for laughs in a way that feels a bit dated.

The Weak Spots – A Little Too Long and a Bit Shallow

Where Multiplicity stumbles is in its pacing and depth. At nearly two hours, the movie feels a little stretched out. The concept is fantastic, but once the clones start running amok, it becomes a bit repetitive. Doug’s arc—learning that he should appreciate his life instead of trying to escape it—is predictable, and the resolution is pretty standard.

There’s also the issue of Laura, played by Andie MacDowell. She does what she can with the material, but the movie barely gives her any real agency. She spends most of the film confused, played for laughs, and when she inevitably finds out about the clones, it’s wrapped up in a way that feels way too convenient. Given that the whole story revolves around Doug’s personal and work-life balance, it would’ve been nice if the film had done more with her character.

Final Verdict: A Fun, Goofy Comedy That’s Worth Watching

At the end of the day, Multiplicity is a solid comedy with a fantastic central performance from Michael Keaton. It doesn’t quite reach the heights of Harold Ramis’ best work (Ghostbusters, Groundhog Day), but it’s a fun, lighthearted film that leans into its ridiculous premise.

Sure, it’s a little uneven, and some of the humor hasn’t aged as well, but when it’s funny, it’s really funny. Keaton carries the whole thing effortlessly, and watching him interact with himself in four different ways is a comedic treat.

It might not be a must-see classic, but if you’re in the mood for a goofy, entertaining comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Multiplicity is worth a watch.