Pulse

Pulse, directed by Paul Golding and released in 1988, is a unique blend of horror, science-fiction, and drama, starring Cliff De Young, Roxanne Hart, and Joey Lawrence. Unlike the traditional monsters or supernatural beings that typically threaten humanity in the genre of horror, Pulse presents an invisible and seemingly omnipresent menace – the very electricity that runs through our homes and powers our digital culture.

Cliff De Young plays Bill, an affable yet distant father trying to celebrate the joy of the holidays with his family. Roxanne Hart portrays Ellen, Bill's compassionate new wife striving to construct a harmonious family dynamic amongst the complexities of their blended family. The young Joey Lawrence took on the role of David, the intelligent and inquisitive son struggling from the divorce of his parents, and who ultimately becomes the only one who truly understands the impending danger encompassing their home. Each character's distinct dilemmas lend itself to the film's depth, transforming Pulse from a traditional horror film to a dark exploration of family relationships and personal struggle.

The premise of Pulse revolves around David's visit to his father's home in Los Angeles during the Christmas holidays. A strange event leads David to suspect that something is seriously wrong. He discovers the menace - an unseen, malignant force that is using the electrical currents, appliances, and systems in the house to terrorize the family. This entity seems to have a mind of its own, locking them inside their home and hijacking all their electrical devices to create terror. David's slow realization of the nature of the threat and his effort to convince his skeptical father and stepmother is a significant part of the suspense.

Pulse is a unique and disturbing exploration of our reliance on technology. It brings to the screen an unusual threat, making the audience question their faith in the safety and security of their homes and the devices they rely on daily. The film unexpectedly turns everyday electrical devices into weapons of terror and destruction, generating a new facet to the genre of techno-horror.

Director Paul Golding's visualization of an inanimate but lethal enemy is subtle and compelling. The film employs slow build-ups, atmospheric scoring, and anticipatory camera work to create a growing sense of dread. The startling and unexpected ways in which the electrical currents manipulate and control different household devices keep the audience on the edge of their seat. Plus, the speculative element of the story - the idea that something as ubiquitous as electricity can become a destructive force - lends a layer of unnerving credibility to the plot.

Complex characters with realistic traits further amplify the horror elements. Bill is a loving father but fails to comprehend the dire signs shown by David. Ellen struggles to adjust into the role of a stepmother during the unsettling events, while David wrestles with the belief that seems too absurd for anyone to comprehend.

Pulse also tackles the growing disconnect between human relationships and the increasing dependency on technology. The film subtly warns its audience about the dangers that over-reliance on technology could potentially hold and questions the limit at which humanity ought to be dependent on scientific progression.

In a world of escalating technological advances, Pulse remains relevant even decades after its release. The film achieves a powerful effect by tapping into universal fears about machines taking over. Pulse remains a classic, not just for its unique storyline and gripping execution, but also for the conversations it started regarding our equation with technology in the modern world.

In summary, Pulse is a gripping technological horror film that successfully blends elements of sci-fi, horror, and drama, providing plenty of food for thought beyond the immediate scares. It is a highly recommended watch for fans of the genre who appreciate a thought-provoking narrative that lingers long after the credits roll.