Author: Adanma Ugwa

“Orphan Black” is a sci-fi series that takes the concept of doppelgängers to a whole new level. The show revolves around Sarah Manning, a woman who discovers that she is one of many clones. Each clone, played by the incredibly talented Tatiana Maslany, has their own unique personality, background, and story arc. This series doesn’t just explore the idea of physical doppelgängers but dives deep into the philosophical and ethical questions surrounding identity and individuality.

One of the most compelling aspects of “Orphan Black” is how it portrays the clones’ struggle for autonomy and self-determination. Each clone has been created and monitored by powerful organizations with their own agendas, stripping them of their sense of self. The show raises important questions about what it means to be an individual when you share your DNA with others. Are you truly unique, or just a copy? This tension is at the heart of the series and adds layers of complexity to the characters’ interactions and motivations.

The doppelgängers in “Orphan Black” also serve as a mirror to societal issues. The clones come from diverse backgrounds and face different challenges, from systemic racism to gender discrimination. By presenting these varied experiences, the show highlights the universal struggle for identity and belonging. It’s a powerful reminder that while we may share similarities with others, our individual experiences and choices define who we are.

In conclusion, “Orphan Black” uses the concept of doppelgängers not just as a plot device but as a means to explore deeper themes of identity, autonomy, and societal issues. The show’s intricate storytelling and Tatiana Maslany’s phenomenal performances make it a standout series that offers a thought-provoking take on the doppelgänger trope.

Sources:

https://screenrant.com/orphan-black-tatiana-maslany-every-clone-character

Jordan Peele’s “Us” is a masterful horror film that delves into the unsettling concept of doppelgängers. Released in 2019, the story follows the Wilson family—Adelaide, Gabe, and their two children—as they embark on a vacation to their beach house. What begins as a relaxing getaway soon turns into a nightmare when they encounter their doppelgängers, eerie and violent mirror images of themselves. These doubles, known as the “Tethered,” are determined to take over the lives of their counterparts.

The doppelgängers, known as the Tethered, symbolize the marginalized and oppressed segments of society. They represent the unseen and ignored aspects of humanity that live in the shadows, mirroring the actions of their privileged counterparts above ground without enjoying the same freedoms and opportunities. In the film I feel like the doubles were used to explore themes of inequality, identity, and the duality of human nature, highlighting how societal structures can create and perpetuate divisions.

I think in the film the theme of duality is heavily explored, the concept of duality through its central premise of the Tethered, who are the doubles of the main characters. Each character has a doppelgänger that embodies their darkest traits and repressed emotions. This duality is evident in the way the Tethered live underground, mimicking the lives of their above-ground counterparts but in a twisted and deprived manner. In my eyes the film delves into the idea that everyone has a hidden side, a part of themselves that they do not want to acknowledge. When the Wilson’s are forced to confront their doppelgängers, they must face their own fears, guilt, and the darker aspects of their identities. The theme of duality also highlights social inequality because it illustrates how the privileged and the oppressed are two sides of the same coin.

In my opinion the highlight of the movie is Lupita Nyong’o playing as both Adelaide Wilson and her Tethered double, Red. Her portrayal captures the terror and complexity of confronting her darker self. When watching the film I felt the a haunting tension by the visuals presented in the film that really made me feel like I was living in the movie. When watching “Us” it was evident to me that it is more than just a horror film; it’s a thought-provoking commentary on society and the hidden aspects of our identities.

Sources:

“Jordan Peele’s Black Mirror | Philstar.com.” Philippine Star, 24 March 2019, https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/sunday-life/2019/03/24/1903778/jordan-peeles-black-mirror. Accessed 16 September 2024.

“The Wilsons From ‘Us’ Are Our New Favorite Horror Family.” WIRED, 20 April 2019, https://www.wired.com/2019/04/geeks-guide-wilsons-us/. Accessed 16 September 2024.

“The Vampire Diaries” is a show that has captivated audiences with its intricate plotlines, supernatural elements, and complex characters. Among the most intriguing aspects of the series is the doppelgänger phenomenon, particularly the relationship between Elena Gilbert and Katherine Pierce. 

Elena and Katherine are more than just look-alikes; they are doppelgängers, a concept that goes beyond mere physical resemblance. In class we defined doppelgänger’s as mysterious, eerie, uncanny human double’s or figure of dual/divided identity. In the world of “The Vampire Diaries,” doppelgängers are supernatural beings created as a result of a curse placed on the original vampires. This is a curse that ensures that a doppelgänger will appear in every generation, serving as a constant reminder of the original sin that led to the creation of vampires. The original sin that caused Katherine and Elena to become doppelgängers was tied to an immorality curse placed on Amara by Silas, Silas was the first immortal being and Amara who is a direct descendant of Elena and Katherine, fell in love with Silas. Silas cast a spell on Amara making her and her bloodline immortal for eternity. Elena and Katherine are the latest in a long line of doppelgängers, and their existence is pivotal to the show’s storyline and a great example of a doppelgänger.

Katherine Pierce, originally born as Katerina Petrova in the 15th century, is the first doppelgänger introduced in the series. She is a devious and manipulative vampire who has survived for centuries using her wits and charm. Katherine’s character is a master of deception, often using her resemblance to Elena to her advantage. Her centuries-long life has made her a formidable adversary, and her actions drive much of the conflict in the series.

Elena Gilbert, on the other hand, is a modern-day high school student who initially knows nothing of her supernatural heritage. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she discovers her connection to Katherine and the world of vampires. Unlike Katherine, Elena is compassionate and selfless, often putting the needs of others before her own. This stark contrast between the two characters adds depth to the show, highlighting the different paths that two identical individuals can take.

The doppelgänger storyline in “The Vampire Diaries” explores themes of identity, destiny, and free will. Elena and Katherine’s interactions provide a fascinating study of how two people who look identical can be so fundamentally different. Their relationship is fraught with tension, betrayal, and occasional moments of understanding, making it one of the most compelling aspects of the series.

In conclusion, the doppelgänger dynamic between Elena and Katherine is a cornerstone of “The Vampire Diaries.” It adds layers of complexity to the narrative and offers viewers a captivating look at the interplay between fate and individuality.