Wavelength

Wavelength is an unforgettable blend of science fiction and thriller, released in 1983. The film features an ensemble of veteran actors such as Robert Carradine, Cherie Currie, and Keenan Wynn, who bring an undeniable depth and charm to their respective roles. The movie weaves a unique narrative that stands at the confluence of human reality and extraterrestrial mystery, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats throughout.

Robert Carradine, noted for his versatile acting skills, stars as Bobby Sinclair, a jaded musician who gets caught up in a scenario beyond his wildest imagination. Living in Los Angeles, struggling with his career, Bobby rents a secluded desert house, trying to find inspiration. Yet little does he know the massive turn his life is about to take.

Cherie Currie, best known as the lead vocalist of the iconic rock band The Runaways, appears in the film in the character of Iris Longacre. The forty-something alien advocate is full of secretive insights about the government's extraterrestrial research, dropping subtle hints about what to expect next. Her subtly menacing aura and mysterious demeanor effortlessly add conjecture and intrigue to the plot.

Keenan Wynn, the grand old man of Hollywood, brings eccentric charm to his role as an outcast scientist named Dr. Jim Cooper. Wynn's acting prowess combined with his character's depth transforms Dr. Cooper into a fascinating character to watch. A retired government scientist, Dr. Cooper's cryptic revelations become the primary source of intrigue and suspense in the film, and his interactions with the other characters are both humorously strange and compellingly suspenseful.

The narrative of Wavelength focuses on an enormous underground military base in Los Angeles, California, covered up by the National Security Agency. This is the same house that Sinclair now calls home. The serenity and solitude he sought in the remote dwelling was something entirely different behind the scenes. The base is said to hold an unimaginable secret—one related to visitors from another planet.

As Sinclair and Longacre uncover the secrets behind the high-security installation under their residence, the duo find themselves making contact with beings beyond our world, and their lives are irreversibly altered.

While the plot may sound simple, director Mike Gray uses this premise to flesh out a detailed and thrilling narrative that explores the vastness of the universe and the possible co-inhabitation within it, albeit with a unique perspective. Packed into a runtime of less than 90 minutes, the film is a gripping rollercoaster ride that portrays the classic struggle between curiosity and fear while dealing with the unknown.

The director paints an immersive picture of a strange encounter and a nerve-wracking investigation that gains momentum with each passing moment, maintaining a steady pace while manoeuvering between elements of suspense and action.

Wavelength's cinematography, too, pushes the envelope in terms of what can be achieved within the confines of a single house. The film cleverly uses lighting and camera angles, creating an eerie atmosphere of isolative suspense that is simply unforgettable. The interior of the military base is hauntingly beautiful, matching the fright and curiosity that the narrative impels.

Adding to the undercurrent of brooding anxiety in Wavelength is the excellent musical score by Tangerine Dream, an acclaimed German electronic music band. Their rhythmic, pulsating tunes interweave seamlessly with the narrative, enhancing not just the intrigue but also the heartbeat of the audience.

Wavelength is a movie that needs to be experienced rather than simply watched. It throws the audience into a whirlpool of mind-boggling concepts but also keeps them grounded in the harsh realities of our world. For those who love a good mix of thrilling tales filled with twists, sci-fi lovers who appreciate a well-crafted story, or even mystery enthusiasts on the lookout for something unique, Wavelength is the ticket! Just remember, buckle up—it's going to be an intense ride!