(1984)
2
Donald Guarisco
This slow-burning thriller with science-fiction and horror overtones is compelling in its own creepy way. Impulse is effective because it doesn't rush viewers into shock situations or overload them with melodrama. Instead, it allows an underlying madness to slowly creep into the storyline, taking the situation (and the characters) apart from the inside. Even the revelation of what is causing the town's strange incident unfurls in a quiet manner that is all the more haunting for its matter-of-fact approach. Graham Baker's direction gives the story the understated approach it requires but also shows directorial flair when the events require it -- a great example is a setpiece with a car trapped in a flaming garage. He also gets strong performances from his cast: Tim Matheson is sympathetic even when madness is overtaking him, Meg Tilly makes a likeable and appealingly unconventional leading lady and Hume Cronyn is chilling as a doctor who quietly becomes a killer. To sum up, Impulse is an interesting little sleeper that is worthy of rediscovery for anyone who can appreciate a left-of-center approach to the thriller genre.
cast-crew for Impulse on AllMovie
Impulse (1984)
