Movie
Is This the Scariest Movie Ever?
It’s been called the scariest movie ever. Or the grimmest, bleakest, and most brutal. The post-apocalyptic drama; Threads, has only been aired three times, its premiere in 1984 (appropriate year), 1985, and 2024 for its 40th anniversary. Threads has also been made available on streaming services. The anniversary has stirred up memories from its initial release which has been dubbed ‘the night Britain did not sleep!’
Threads is a BBC-produced TV movie which explores what would happen if a nuclear bomb was dropped on the English city of Sheffield.
The film is structured like a documentary; with a voiceover speaking to the audience in a clipped, received pronunciation BBC English. The narrator speaks over what is possibly stock footage of a spider weaving its web, or its threads. The narrator explains how in urban society everything connects and how we all rely on one another’s skills to survive. Ominously the narrator points out how fragile these threads are.
THREAD 1 – FAMILY
The film then cuts to our two leads Ruth (Karen Meagher) and Jimmy (Reece Dinsdale). These two young lovebirds are in a car over looking the Sheffield countryside. A fighter jet flies overhead as Ruth remarks how “peaceful” it is. We follow Ruth Beckett and Jimmy Kemp as they navigate an unplanned pregnancy.
The film plays like a ‘kitchen sink drama’. I have heard ‘kitchen sink’ described as an ‘anti-Hollywood’ where everyone has their natural teeth and skin texture. The film looks similar to a British soap opera.
Whilst the narrative at this point just skirts around somewhat boring, it is clear something is playing out globally in the background. We see it on newspaper covers and hear snippets on radios and TVs. There is a situation unfolding in the Middle East with tensions building between the Soviets and the USA. Troops are mobilized and more importantly, nuclear warheads are moved.
And then it happens.
THREAD 2- SECURITY
At almost 50 minutes in, the bomb finally drops. The literal bomb that is. The omnipresent narrator tells us it is 8.30 am in the UK meaning it is 3.30 am in Washington DC; Western response will be at its slowest.
The bomb scene is incredibly powerful. This is where the ‘kitchen sink’ realism really comes into its own. It looks like any other British high street but people are running around screaming looking for shelter amidst the blaring siren. Children are being scooped up from their prams and the panic is palpable. Infamously one businesswoman is staring up at the blooming mushroom cloud rising above the city, the camera pans to see urine running down her trouser leg and pooling at her 80’s white heels.
There is constant screaming as buildings explode, windows smash, and curtains catch fire.
Text informs us that 210 megatons in total fell on the UK with an estimated 2.5 – 9 million casualties.
THREAD 3 – SOCIETY
Ruth exits her parents’ destroyed house to look for Jimmy. In her old neighborhood she is greeted by a horrendous sight. The whole street looks like that of The Blitz; with dead pets and both parents and children looking for each other. A shell-shocked woman covered in ash asks Ruth; “have you seen our Mandy?” she is proffering what looks to be a child’s coat, as if Mandy forgot her coat when going outside to play. A charred corpse with perfect white intact teeth (probably dentures) is embedded into a building. A staring woman is clutching the burnt remains of her infant.
After this, the horrific scenes come thick and fast.
Food has become the new currency and food stores are protected by force. It is here we see the figure who has haunted many viewers nightmares. The armed traffic warden with the bandaged face. Played by an extra who actually was a traffic warden in real life!
Hospitals are overrun with the injured. The harried staff are using sheets as bandages and table salt to disinfect contaminated water. Doctors resorting to amputation with no anesthetic.
THREAD 4 – CHILDREN
Ruth gives birth to a healthy child. A little girl named Jane. Ruth gives birth alone in a barn and has to bite through the umbilical cord. Later, on Christmas Day no less, a group of survivors gathers around a fire in the barn looking like a macabre nativity scene.
But what sort of world has Ruth brought her daughter into? We are told it is ten years later and society has returned to medieval times with the nuclear winter and UV damage affecting the crops. Jane does not call Ruth ‘mum’ only ‘Ruth’ and has no reaction when Ruth finally dies. Are the people in this society so profoundly broken by the sheer amount of loss and trauma that they can no longer form familial bonds? Has that thread been cut?
There is clearly little regard for human life anymore. Jane walks past three corpses hanging in the foreground paying them no attention. Is this a mass suicide or an execution? The corpses are also bare. Have people stolen their clothes to protect themselves from the harsh nuclear winter? Images such as these, shown for mere seconds can tell you so much about the situation.
THREAD 5 – LANGUAGE
In the second half of the film, there is barely any dialogue. Any words spoken by Jane and her peers are some strange form of pidgin English. Many fans have argued that language would not degrade that quickly. However, these children have been brought up by deeply traumatized parents (if they had parents at all). People barely speak anymore and death and disease are extremely common. Is it any surprise that mankind has been brought down to its most basic level? Or is this the cognitive effects of growing up around high levels of radiation?
Many fans comment how Threads gives no hope. But there appears to be a rudimentary school system-cum-workhouse with Jane and her peers watching an old educational video. Although the last scene definitely takes away from the tepid hope we are shown.
SO IS IT SCARY?
Well….as I had heard about the film through cultural osmosis I knew what to expect. I appreciate that during the 80’s, living in the fog of the Cold War, a nuclear holocaust was looking more and more likely. Having a film at that time showing exactly what it would look like if it were to happen in a typical British city would be horrifying.
With the film being set up as a documentary speaking to some unknown in the future, it is interesting when you are watching from the future. Before COVID I would think it was so unrealistic; the way a lot of people didn’t take the crisis seriously until they were practically underneath the bomb. Now I know differently. Everything is fine until it’s not and we don’t tend to tackle a crisis until it is right on our doorstep. Like Mr Kemp with his trousers down on the loo as the bomb went off, we are so ill-prepared. And all the systems (or threads) in place that you thought would protect you, such as the government, are just ill-equipped.
It is an extremely well-done film especially when I learned the budget was £400,000 (about 1.2 million today). The acting is superb and I can see why it’s such an iconic film. In today’s current climate Threads is more relevant than ever. Would highly recommend it.
Five Stars.
Director: Gunasekhar
Studio: Sri Venkateswara Bala Kuteer
Genre: Mythological, Drama
Runtime: Approx. 133 minutes
Writers: Gunasekhar (Screenplay), Valmiki (Based on the Ramayana)
Starring: Master NTR (Lord Rama), Master Rajesh (Lakshmana), Baby Sowmya (Sita), Master Ramakrishna (Hanuman)
Indian cinema has a long-standing tradition of adapting mythological epics for the screen, and Bala Ramayanam (1996) stands out as a unique and ambitious project. Directed by Gunasekhar, this Telugu-language film is a faithful retelling of the Ramayana, featuring an all-child cast—a remarkable feat that adds a layer of innocence and charm to the story.
Master NTR, the grandson of legendary actor-politician Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, delivers an impressive performance as Lord Rama, capturing both his divine composure and human emotions. The supporting cast, particularly Master Rajesh as Lakshmana and Baby Sowmya as Sita, bring sincerity to their roles, making the film engaging despite their young age.
Gunasekhar’s direction ensures that the grandeur of the Ramayana is upheld, with stunning sets and well-executed battle sequences. The cinematography and art direction elevate the film, bringing a divine aura to Ayodhya and Lanka alike. The music, composed by Madhavapeddi Suresh, complements the film’s devotional tone, with soul-stirring compositions that enhance the narrative.
What makes Bala Ramayanam particularly endearing is its ability to make the epic accessible to younger audiences. The film captures the essence of dharma (righteousness), devotion, and valor, while the young actors’ performances add a layer of purity rarely seen in mainstream adaptations.
While the film’s child cast might feel unconventional for some viewers, their dedication and earnest performances make Bala Ramayanam a memorable and heartwarming watch. The production values, direction, and music all contribute to its timeless appeal. For lovers of Indian mythology and classic storytelling, this film remains a delightful adaptation of the Ramayana.
Final Rating: 8.5/10
Gene Hackman, one of Hollywood’s most respected and versatile actors, passed away on February 26, 2025, at the age of 95. Known for his commanding presence and ability to bring complex characters to life, Hackman left behind an incredible legacy in film. With two Academy Awards, four Golden Globes, and a career spanning over four decades, he was an actor who could master any genre, from gritty crime dramas to heartwarming sports films.
Born on January 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California, Hackman’s rise to fame was far from conventional. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps before pursuing acting, training at the Pasadena Playhouse alongside fellow legend Dustin Hoffman. His breakthrough came with Bonnie and Clyde (1967), and from there, his career skyrocketed. Hackman’s ability to play both heroes and villains with equal intensity made him a Hollywood powerhouse.
Top 10 Gene Hackman Movies You Need to Watch
1. The French Connection (1971)
Hackman’s Oscar-winning role as Detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle defined the modern cop drama, delivering one of cinema’s greatest car chases.
2. Unforgiven (1992)
As the ruthless sheriff Little Bill Daggett, Hackman earned his second Academy Award, proving his ability to embody deeply layered antagonists.
3. The Conversation (1974)
A gripping psychological thriller where Hackman plays a surveillance expert trapped in a moral crisis, showcasing his talent for quiet intensity.
4. Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
His breakout role as Buck Barrow in this groundbreaking crime film introduced audiences to Hackman’s natural charisma.
5. Mississippi Burning (1988)
In one of his most powerful performances, Hackman plays an FBI agent investigating civil rights crimes, earning him another Oscar nomination.
6. Superman (1978)
As Lex Luthor, Hackman brought a mix of charm and menace to the iconic comic book villain, making him a fan favorite.
7. Hoosiers (1986)
A classic underdog sports film where Hackman shines as the determined and passionate high school basketball coach Norman Dale.
8. Crimson Tide (1995)
This intense submarine thriller pits Hackman against Denzel Washington in a gripping battle of leadership and ethics.
9. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
Hackman’s turn as the eccentric and dysfunctional patriarch Royal Tenenbaum proved his comedic and dramatic brilliance.
10. The Firm (1993)
Playing a morally ambiguous mentor in this legal thriller, Hackman added depth to one of the decade’s biggest hits.
Gene Hackman retired from acting in 2004, but his influence remains undeniable. His performances shaped modern cinema, inspiring actors and filmmakers alike. Whether playing a hard-nosed detective, a ruthless villain, or a flawed hero, Hackman had the rare ability to make every role unforgettable. His passing marks the end of an era, but his films will continue to captivate audiences for generations to come.
Director: Laxman Utekar
Starring: Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna
Genre: Historical Action
Running Time: 161 minutes
Final Rating: 4/5 A powerful, immersive experience that demands to be seen on the big screen.
HAR HAR MAHADEV! From the very first frame, Chhaava announces itself as a bold and exhilarating cinematic spectacle. Laxman Utekar crafts an epic introduction, throwing us directly into the battlefield where Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj (Vicky Kaushal) confronts the relentless Mughal invaders. The cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking, capturing the grandeur of war, the ferocity of battle, and the indomitable spirit of one of India’s greatest warriors.
This film is more than just an action-packed historical drama—it is a deep dive into India’s rich heritage. The legacy of the Maratha Empire, the resilience of its kings, and the undying spirit that defied foreign invaders are brought to life with remarkable intensity. Chhaava does not merely recount history; it ignites pride and reverence for the past.
Vicky Kaushal, in his portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, commands the screen with a performance that is both ferocious and deeply introspective. He seamlessly balances the warrior’s relentless drive with the gentle wisdom of a ruler, embodying the weight of legacy and the burden of destiny. His presence in the climax scene is nothing short of electrifying—without spoilers, it is a moment that truly seals the emotional and thematic weight of the film.
Rashmika Mandanna delivers a powerful supporting performance as the empress, bringing both grace and fire to her role. While her portrayal may not reach the iconic levels of her Pushpa performances, she excels in conveying silent rage, restrained agony, and the poised strength of a queen. Her moments of quiet defiance and deep emotional conflict add layers to the narrative, making her an essential part of the film’s heart.
Stepping into the role of the Mughal Emperor, Akshaye Khanna delivers a compelling performance as the antagonist. His portrayal is nuanced, bringing out the frustration and obsession of an emperor determined to conquer the Deccan, only to find himself thwarted by the bloodline of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. His expressions of despair and fury as history repeats itself are some of his finest acting moments.
Chhaava is a grand theatrical experience that blends history, action, and emotion into a stirring tribute to India’s warrior legacy. The film’s scale, cinematography, and performances ensure that it remains engaging throughout its 161-minute runtime. Beyond just a historical drama, it poses a profound question—if a single mortal could embody such power and devotion, imagine the divine force he worshipped.
This is more than a film; it is a cinematic homage to the legends, deities, and myths that shape India’s identity. As the credits roll, one thing is certain—Chhaava is a rousing call to explore the depths of India’s historical and spiritual grandeur on the big screen.
HAR HAR MAHADEV!
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