Watch Threshold

Threshold is a psychological thriller movie directed by Richard Pearce and released in 1981. The film starts with the protagonist, Dr. Alden (Donald Sutherland), a space psychologist, returning to Earth after a year-long mission in space. While there, he receives a telepathic message from an extraterrestrial entity that follows him home. The movie is set in the 1980s and is a unique take on the science fiction genre. It is more of a character-driven drama that explores the psyche of the protagonist, Dr. Alden, as he tries to understand and come to terms with the messages he keeps receiving from the extraterrestrial entity. Throughout the movie, Dr. Alden is plagued by vivid nightmares and blackouts, which cause him to question his sanity. He seeks help from a colleague, Dr. Dan Fairchild (John Marley), who initially dismisses his claims but later becomes convinced that there is something more to Dr. Alden's experiences. As the story unfolds, the audience is taken on a surreal journey with Dr. Alden, exploring his inner demons and the hidden corners of his mind that he has suppressed for years. It is a puzzling and unsettling ride as the viewer is left to decipher the meaning behind the cryptic messages that Dr. Alden keeps receiving. The cinematography is moody and atmospheric, capturing the bleakness and coldness of space, as well as the paranoia and fear that Dr. Alden feels as he is haunted by his experiences. The musical score is haunting and eerie, enhancing the foreboding sense of dread that permeates the film. The performances from the cast are strong, particularly Donald Sutherland, who gives an understated yet nuanced performance as Dr. Alden. He captures the fragility of his character's mental state and the struggle to retain his grip on reality. Sharon Acker plays Dr. Alden's wife, who is also struggling to come to terms with the changes she sees in her husband. The movie poses questions about the existence of extraterrestrial life and our ability to comprehend them. It also delves into the human psyche and our inherent fear of the unknown. The tension builds throughout the movie, as we are left wondering whether Dr. Alden's experiences are real or just hallucinations. Overall, Threshold is a thought-provoking and suspenseful movie that explores the isolation and mental struggles of an astronaut returning to Earth from space. The film is a nod to the slow-burning psychological thrillers of the 1970s and 1980s but brings a unique twist to the science fiction genre. It is well worth a watch for fans of character-driven dramas and thought-provoking science fiction.