Threads (1984) - Lisa's Review

This weeks movie from our 'Time Out 100 Best Horror movies' is a docu-style film made for BBC TV from 1984.  I seem to remember something vaguely about this from many years ago.  I know I hadn't seen the movie before, but I think I was most definately aware of the fact it had been made and caused quite the stir at the time.

The movie follows inhabitants of Sheffield, specifically 2 families, before, during and after the breakout of a Nuclear war between America and Russia.

As the movie starts we are brought into the homes of a couple of families and made aware of various situations and problems they have.  In the background we hear radio broadcasts and there are news reports.   These start as a background noise alongside the script, but soon become more and more prevalent as we are advised of the situation in Iran with regards to America & Russia.

The actual explosion itself, the damage, the deaths and the fallout are all shown in detail and make for sobering viewing.  Of course we've seen much, much gorier, bloodier scenes in other movies, but something about the documentary style in this movie, the location and the subject matter makes it all feel very close to home.  That's why this movie works so well.  It's possible.

You might say Vampires, Werewolfs and maniacs are the stuff of nightmares, but this movie is the stuff of real nightmares.  While watching it was almost impossible not to consider the thought of being in the situation yourself.  I found myself wondering what I would do?

As the different manners in which people die are played out and we are given text on screen (you remember that really irritating typewriter sound they used to play in 80's movies when text came up on a screen as if it was being typed? well, that!) giving us information, figures, timescales and effects.

Normally this sort of movie ends after the main event, tying things up nicely for us....not in this case.  We are given updates up to many years after the event and are told what has changed and what the effects have been.  It makes you think if this event were to ever happen, you'd prefer to die in the initial explosion.  They were the lucky ones....

The movie ends abruptly and with sobering reality.  It's one of those where, when you've finished watching it, you don't really know what to say, how to feel.  If I'm honest it made me feel thoroughly depressed.  The fact this is a real threat and completely possible is what makes this movie so effective.

I have given it a 'recommended' even though I can't say I felt brilliant after having watched it.  It's not a movie you're going to feel good about, but it definately is effective in what it sets out to do.  I can see why it made the Time Out Top 100 list.