Wartime

"Wartime" is a unique British science fiction movie released in 1987, that echoes the mood and tone of the iconic Doctor Who series. It stars John Levene, Michael Wisher, Mary Greenhalgh, and Paul Greenhalgh. This cult classic serves as an unofficial spin-off of the BBC series and is a distinctive narrative that highlights the life of Sgt. John Benton, a character from Doctor Who, portrayed by John Levene.

In the movie, Levene reprises his role as Sergeant John Benton, a member of the United Nations Intelligence Taskforce (UNIT) that regularly fights off alien invasions and other extraordinary threats on earth. Benton, however, is not at the centre of any alien conflict this time. The plot explores a more emotional and psychological struggle that the hardened military man must face, giving audiences a unique perspective on his character.

"Wartime" depicts a journey where Sgt. Benton confronts poignant images of his lost family and their tragic past which haunts him. While on a mission delivering classified documents, images of his departed mother and brother come to life to torment him. The apparitions bring emotional turmoil for Benton and he gets transported into an eerie landscape. The setting is disconnected from his comfortable reality and plays an essential part to unravel Benton's past and its associated mysteries.

Michael Wisher, notably known for his role as Davros in Doctor Who, portrays Benton's commanding officer. Wisher's performance as Colonel Charles Crichton brings an exceptional dynamic to the film, highlighting the bond between the military comrades. With Crichton's support and understanding, John is encouraged to confront his inner demons and come to terms with his past.

Mary and Paul Greenhalgh play the ghostly figures of Benton’s mother and brother respectively. The Greenhalghs successfully deliver a haunting performance as the spectral family members, immersing the audience in the emotional battlefield that Benton must fight through.

While not directly related to the Doctor Who series, there’s a clear influence in the narrative style, tone, and conceptualisation of "Wartime". The psychological warfare theme creates a different experience compared to the usual charismatic alien encounters in Doctor Who, diving into the depth of human emotions and untold stories of its characters.

It's worth noting that the movie was produced by the independent production company Reeltime Pictures. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, the film breaks new ground in the Doctor Who universe. Bypassing the boundaries of a traditional science fiction series, it explores the emotional depths and traumas of a character that the audience thought they knew well.

However, the journey through the unknown does not step back from the oddity and supernatural. Despite the absence of classic Doctor Who alien staples like Daleks or Cybermen, "Wartime" substituted traditional Doctor Who elements with impalpable horrors of psychological and supernatural disturbances. The movie weaves these elements in an extraordinary way, combining it with the exploration of a character's psychological turmoil to produce a compelling and fresh storyline for its audience.

In conclusion, "Wartime" is an intriguing exploration of the unseen side of a beloved Doctor Who character. John Levene, along with the rest of the cast, offers a powerful, dramatic performance, which, combined with the haunting ghostly apparitions and the chilling twists, provide a deeply emotional narrative that lingers long after the film concludes. Despite being an unofficial spin-off, it’s an engaging and emotionally-layered experience for dedicated Doctor Who fans and newcomers alike, merging the lines between science fiction, supernatural, and emotionally-rich family drama.