Review of Threads (1985) by Matt P — 20 May 2008

The most terrifying future possible.

This movie is a timeless classic and one of the most important films ever made. The teleplay, which is a bit like a made for TV movie, is shot in the style of a very realistic docudrama. Threads is set in contemporary Sheffield, England, and it follows a number of characters through their struggles after a nuclear conflict between Russia and America. Most notably the story follows Ruth, her newly wed husband, her family, and the Sheffield war-time governing body. I don't want to spoil too much about the story, but I will tell you this: It ends very poorly for everyone involved.

A consistent theme in threads is the interconnectivity of society and what happens to that society when those individual connections break down. There is a telling scene in the post nuclear winter future where a girl is seen pulling the good threads from old garments to recycle them into new garments. However, in this post apocalyptic future there is little rebuilding. Eventually all 'threads' become unraveled including government, family, and even language.

This film may have been made in the 80's, but don't let that fool you. It is the scariest movie I've ever seen, partly because it is so real, and the special effects are more than good enough to suspend your disbelief. It makes the exorcist look like an after school special.