Film & TV
People ‘Can’t Sleep’ After Watching The ‘Scariest Film Ever Made’
The harrowing drama, which vividly explores the devastating aftermath of a nuclear strike, has left viewers deeply unsettled.
One person writes: “It absolutely terrified me.”
Another adds: “I saw it recently for the first time and it’s haunted me ever since.”
“That scarred the s*** out of me,” admits somebody else.
A fourth viewer declares: “One of the scariest British films ever made.”
The Bafta-winning production, directed by Mick Jackson and written by Barry Hines, is a dramatic account of nuclear war and its effects on Britain, specifically on the city of Sheffield, in northern England.
It depicts characters suffering from radiation sickness, starvation, and violence amidst widespread anarchy.
The narrative spans from the lead-up to the attack to 13 years later, illustrating the irreversible destruction of infrastructure and humanity’s descent into savagery.
Its shocking imagery and themes left a profound impression on both critics and viewers.
While some lauded the production’s ability to provoke reflection and awareness, others argued it failed to offer actionable insights for audiences facing similar threats.
Following its 1984 release, Threads reportedly led distressed viewers to call the Samaritans charity.
Decades later, its latest showing on BBC Four – and subsequent availability on BBC iPlayer – elicited similarly powerful reactions.
Starring Karen Meagher and Reece Dinsdale, the apocalyptic war drama was nominated for BAFTA awards in 1985 and won Best Single Drama, Best Design, Best Film Cameraman, and Best Film Editor.
To this day, it’s recognized as one of television’s most striking warnings against the horrors of nuclear war.
Watch the trailer for Threads here…
Threads is available to stream on BBC iPlayer in the U.K. or to rent on Apple TV in the U.S.
