Watch The Hidden

In the 1987 science fiction movie The Hidden, directed by Jack Sholder, a strange and violent killer is on the loose in Los Angeles. Despite the police’s best efforts, they can’t seem to catch the perpetrator. The case becomes more bizarre when the killer’s behavior starts to defy explanation, as they exhibit an almost supernatural level of strength and resilience. Kyle MacLachlan stars as FBI agent Lloyd Gallagher, who arrives in Los Angeles to investigate the case. He doesn’t reveal much about himself, but there is something odd about him. For one, he doesn’t seem to sleep, eat or drink. He also seems to know more about the case than he’s letting on. Michael Nouri plays a hard-boiled LAPD detective named Tom Beck, who initially bristles at Gallagher’s presence but soon sees the value in working with him. Claudia Christian plays a stripper named Brenda, who becomes involved in the case when the killer targets her as his next victim. The movie builds tension slowly as the police try to piece together what is behind the killer’s seemingly impossible abilities. Meanwhile, Gallagher seems to be investigating something else entirely, and his intentions are kept deliberately opaque. All of this leads up to a twist that will leave the audience reeling. The Hidden is a sci-fi thriller that succeeds in keeping its audience engaged the whole way through. It’s not just a standard procedural crime drama, as it delves into a world of speculative fiction with its almost supernatural killer. The film is also notable for its action sequences, which are dynamic and kinetic without being gratuitously gory. The performances are strong across the board, with MacLachlan delivering a typically enigmatic performance as Gallagher. Nouri and Christian also turn in solid turns as Beck and Brenda, respectively. In particular, Christian’s performance brings a much-needed human element to the film, as Brenda’s fate serves as an effective emotional anchor for the audience. One of the most notable aspects of The Hidden is its prescient themes. The film posits a world in which there exists a hidden force that has the ability to possess individuals and make them do its bidding. Its scary to think that a world in which a person’s free will can be so easily taken away is not so far from our own. Similarly, the film’s depiction of the police’s frustration with their inability to catch a killer feels timely, as the societal issues that underscore police brutality continue to be a hot-button issue today. The Hidden is also notable for the way it handles its twist ending. It’s not just a cheap shock, but a gut punch that gives the audience ample time to reflect on what’s happened. Without giving too much away, it’s a plot twist that is not easily forgotten and adds an emotional resonance to the proceedings that lingers long after the credits roll. The film’s production design is also worthy of note, as its depiction of Los Angeles feels lived-in and authentic. The setting is not just a backdrop for the story, but a character in its own right. The film uses locations like strip clubs and seedy motels to great effect, lending the proceedings an air of gritty realism that enhances the story’s terror. Overall, The Hidden is a cult classic that stands the test of time. Its themes are still relevant today, and its twist ending is as shocking now as it was in 1987. The film is a must-see for fans of sci-fi, horror and thrillers, and is an excellent example of how a low-budget genre film can be elevated by a strong script, good performances and thoughtful direction.