Year: 1986
Runtime: 83 min
Language: English
Director: Sam Raimi
A young Canadian girl recounts her family's strange encounter with Steve, a frustrated writer deeply inspired by film noir. Unable to overcome his creative block, Steve seeks help from the mysterious Dr. Jolly. Their collaboration unexpectedly leads to a bizarre and escalating series of chaotic events, plunging them all into a darkly comedic nightmare.
Warning: spoilers below!
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Read the complete plot breakdown of Crimewave (1986), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
As Victor Ajax finds himself on the brink of death, strapped into an electric chair that hums ominously below him, a vivid flashback reveals the tangled events that led him to this precarious situation. Once a hopeful young technician at Trend-Odegard Security, Victor worked closely with the enigmatic Mr. Trend and his shrewd partner, Odegard. When Odegard’s duplicitous scheme to sell the company to the fearsome Renaldo “The Heel” was uncovered, Mr. Trend took extreme actions to safeguard their enterprise, engaging two skilled eliminators dedicated to removing any obstacles in their way.
As Victor reluctantly found himself embroiled in this lethal game, he was momentarily distracted by Mr. Trend’s obscure lecture on the broader implications of their situation, prompting Victor to embark on a journey to discover his perfect match. This quest led him to Nancy, a captivating yet elusive woman who unwittingly caught Renaldo’s eye, leaving Victor yearning for her attention as she responded to him with intriguing minimalism.
Amidst the chaos, Victor became inadvertently involved in a series of strange murders that threatened to unravel his reality. Accused of these bizarre killings, he was thrust into a chaotic world that spiraled into madness, accompanied by an unexpected array of characters, including Mrs. Trend, who found herself accidentally caught up in the turmoil.
As tensions escalated, Nancy emerged as a pivotal figure in Victor’s life and also became a prime target for the deadly exterminators. In a thrilling and comedic climax, Victor fought bravely to rescue his beloved and put an end to the looming threat, ultimately defeating the assassins with a blend of wit and courage.
When the flashback came to a close, Victor was once again in the electric chair, awaiting his grim fate. However, destiny had other ideas. An audacious joyride, helmed by Nancy and accompanied by a nun in a daring display, sped towards the scene—a desperate attempt to absolve Victor and restore his honor.
In a nail-biting twist, Nancy burst onto the scene just as the executioner was about to pull the lever, breaking the illusion of Victor’s imminent demise. With the truth finally on their side, the couple’s love prevailed, leading to a jubilant reunion that marked the end of their tumultuous ordeal.
Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 10:07
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Fast-paced comedies that send up classic film noir with chaotic energy.If you enjoyed the chaotic, slapstick energy of Crimewave, you'll love these movies that expertly parody film noir. Discover similar films with fast pacing, darkly comedic tones, and plots that spiral into absurdity, all while paying homage to the classic detective and crime genres.
Stories in this thread typically involve an ordinary person or a hapless protagonist who gets entangled in a seemingly serious criminal plot. The narrative quickly escalates into a series of increasingly ridiculous events, misunderstandings, and chases, where the tension of the noir genre is consistently undercut by visual gags and absurd humor, leading to a comedic resolution.
These films are grouped together for their unique blend of tone and pacing. They share a dark but playful comedic sensibility, a fast and often frantic narrative drive, and a specific intent to parody the conventions of film noir, creating a distinctively chaotic and entertaining viewing experience.
Stories of ordinary people wrongly accused, leading to wild, comedic flights.Fans of Crimewave's plot about a falsely accused man on the run will enjoy these films. Explore stories featuring ordinary people plunged into chaos, combining crime thriller elements with dark comedy, frantic pacing, and a journey to prove their innocence against all odds.
The narrative pattern centers on an inciting incident that falsely implicates the protagonist in a serious crime. This triggers a chain reaction of chaotic events, narrow escapes, and encounters with eccentric characters, all while the protagonist searches for the real culprit. The journey is often marked by a mix of genuine peril and comedic misadventure.
These movies share a specific plot mechanism—the false accusation—that drives a particular kind of narrative energy. They combine the tension of being pursued with the absurdity of the situations this creates, resulting in a cohesive blend of crime, comedy, and frantic action.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Crimewave in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Crimewave is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Crimewave with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Crimewave. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Crimewave that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Crimewave: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like Crimewave that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
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