Threads (1984)

Recently, as part of my research, I watched this film. I was affected by its content for many weeks afterwards, finding that its imagery and content would reappear in my thoughts, without any warning. I found it to be a brilliant depiction of escalation to nuclear war followed by the unbearable implications and consequences that a society would be faced with in the wake of such an attack.


Though this film is often criticised for its somewhat dated look and feel, as with its influential predecessor, The War Game (1965), its resonance with current global fears and tensions is as much valid today as it was 25 years ago when it was originally aired.


The plot follows key characters living in Sheffield in the 1980s, living their day-to-day lives during a globally hostile political climate. The lives of these characters are drastically transformed by the consequences of a military intervention brought about by the Soviet invasion of Iran. These hostilities escalate into a massive nuclear war. Many UK cities are targeted some suffering multiple attacks. Information is provided to the viewer in a journalistic style, similar to that seen in The War Game. Threads mixes conventional narrative with documentary-style text screens and narration by BBC Journalist Paul Vaughan. The story also offers insight into Local Authorities arrangements to continue governing (what was left) of the country in the event of such a war.


Threads highlights issues of radiation sickness, food shortages, nuclear winter, the breakdown of modern society and most poignantly of all the demise of language, fundamental for interaction between human beings.


The title gives reference to the interconnection between humans in modern urban environments. The film begins with footage of a spider’s web, used as a visual metaphor for the delicate intricacies of a civilised society.


Threads is a truly bleak film.

Watch Threads on Google Video