Crimewave

Crimewave

Year: 1986

Runtime: 83 min

Language: English

Director: Sam Raimi

HorrorComedyCrime

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!

Haven’t seen Crimewave yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Crimewave (1986)

Trace every key event in Crimewave (1986) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Victor's Near-Fatal Situation

Victor Ajax finds himself strapped into an electric chair, teetering on the brink of death. The ominous hum of the chair fills the air, setting the stage for a tumultuous flashback that reveals the chain of events leading to this moment.

2

Victor's Early Days at Trend-Odegard Security

Once an eager young technician, Victor works closely with Mr. Trend and his partner, Odegard. This period is filled with hope and ambition as Victor navigates his role in the company, oblivious to the brewing trouble ahead.

Trend-Odegard Security
3

Discovery of the Duplicitous Scheme

Odegard's treacherous plan to sell the company to Renaldo 'The Heel' comes to light. This revelation forces Mr. Trend to take drastic actions to protect their enterprise from impending danger.

4

Engagement of Eliminators

To safeguard the company, Mr. Trend hires two skilled eliminators tasked with eliminating any threats to their business. This decision plunges Victor into the lethal game that is now unfolding around him.

5

Victor’s Distraction and Quest for Love

Distracted by Mr. Trend's cryptic lecture about their dire circumstances, Victor decides to seek out his perfect match. This quest ultimately leads him to the intriguing and elusive Nancy, who captures his attention.

6

The Fascination with Nancy

Victor finds himself irresistibly drawn to Nancy, a captivating woman who is oblivious to the chaos surrounding her. Their interactions are marked by her intriguing minimalism, leaving Victor both enchanted and yearning for more.

7

Strange Murders Emerge

As Victor becomes increasingly entangled in his feelings for Nancy, a string of peculiar murders begins to unfold. Accusations against him arise, shoving him deeper into a chaotic world that threatens to unravel his sanity.

8

Mrs. Trend's Accidental Involvement

The chaos escalates as Mrs. Trend inadvertently becomes an integral part of Victor's turmoil. Her presence adds a layer of complexity to Victor's already bizarre circumstances, further complicating his life.

9

Victor's Fight for Nancy

As tensions rise, Nancy becomes a central figure in Victor's life, attracting the deadly attention of the hired exterminators. In a thrilling climax, Victor bravely battles to rescue Nancy, employing both wit and valor.

10

The Climactic Rescue

In a chaotic and comedic showdown, Victor confronts the assassins threatening his and Nancy's lives. His courage and quick thinking turn the tide, allowing him to overcome the adversaries and protect the one he loves.

11

The Return to the Electric Chair

As the flashback concludes, Victor finds himself back in the electric chair, facing his grim fate once more. The buildup of tension captures the audience, leaving them apprehensive about his potential demise.

12

Nancy’s Daring Rescue Attempt

In a surprising twist, Nancy arrives with a nun in a spectacular joyride to save Victor. Their audacious entrance is a last-minute attempt to rescue him from the clutches of fate.

13

The Effective Disruption

Nancy bursts onto the scene just as the executioner is poised to pull the lever. Her dramatic arrival interrupts the execution, shifting the narrative from despair to hope in an instant.

14

Revelation of the Truth

With the executioner’s plan thwarted, Victor and Nancy finally confront the truth surrounding their tumultuous journey. The revelation allows them to focus on their love and win the battle against adversity.

15

The Joyous Reunion

As the chaos subsides, Victor and Nancy share a jubilant reunion, celebrating their love and survival. The couple's strength and resolve underscore the triumph of love over the tumultuous challenges they faced.

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 10:07

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Frantic Noir Parodies like Crimewave

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.

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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.

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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.

Why These Movies?

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.

Unlock the Full Story of Crimewave

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.

Crimewave Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Crimewave, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Crimewave Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Crimewave

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.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Crimewave

Crimewave Spoiler-Free Summary

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Crimewave Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Crimewave

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