Pulse

Pulse

Year: 2006

Runtime: 90 min

Language: Ukrainian

Director: Jim Sonzero

Budget: $21M

Sci-FiMysteryThrillerFantasyHorror

A group of college friends accidentally connects to a mysterious signal, unleashing a sinister force that begins to consume the world. Facing a rapidly escalating crisis, they must work together to track down the origin of the signal and stop the impending global disaster. The race against time becomes a pulse-pounding struggle for survival as the malevolent presence grows stronger.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Pulse (2006)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Pulse (2006). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events in *Pulse* unfold in a contemporary setting, exploring themes of modern technology and its dark consequences. The rise of a terrifying online presence reflects the anxieties of the digital age, where connectivity brings not only convenience but also peril. The film captures a moment when society's reliance on technology leads to catastrophic outcomes.

Location

Douglas's Apartment, Campus, Countryside

The main locations in *Pulse* include Douglas's apartment, which becomes a site of horror after the tragic events unfold. The campus serves as a backdrop to the escalating epidemic and Mattie's investigation. The countryside represents a fleeting escape from the chaos, offering a short-lived sense of safety amidst the chaos brought on by the invasive force.

🏙️ City 🏞️ Countryside

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:35

Main Characters – Pulse (2006)

Meet the key characters of Pulse (2006), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Mattie (Kristen Bell)

Mattie is a determined and resourceful character who finds herself at the center of an unfolding nightmare. Her journey from a concerned friend to a courageous survivor highlights her resilience in the face of overwhelming horror. Mattie’s evolution throughout the film depicts her growth as she confronts both her fears and the looming threat of the ghostly force.

👩‍💻 Protagonist 🔍 Investigator

Isabelle Fuentes (Christina Milian)

Isabelle Fuentes is portrayed as a close friend of Mattie, whose fate becomes a pivotal point in the narrative. Her tragic demise embodies the personal losses suffered due to the dark force at play, contributing to the movie's grim atmosphere. Isabelle’s role emphasizes the high stakes of the situation and the emotional toll it takes on those affected by the technological epidemic.

💔 Victim 👩‍❤️‍👩 Friendship

Douglas Ziegler

Douglas Ziegler is key to the story, as his groundbreaking work on a wireless signal inadvertently triggers the horror that ensues. His erratic behavior and ultimate decision set off a chain reaction that impacts all characters involved. Douglas represents the dangers of unchecked technological innovation and the personal consequences it holds for those who engage with it.

🧑‍💻 Innovator 🔥 Catalyst

Dexter

Initially reluctant, Dexter becomes an essential ally to Mattie as they confront the creeping terror unleashed by Douglas's work. His character adds a layer of complexity, showcasing how fear can lead to isolation, yet also how collaboration is crucial in overcoming adversity. Dexter exhibits courage as he joins Mattie in a desperate race against time.

👨‍💻 Collaborator 💪 Courage

Josh

Josh represents the struggle between fear and responsibility, isolating himself as a means of self-protection while grappling with the despair brought on by the cyber-creatures. His character illustrates the psychological toll of the crisis and the weight of guilt he carries, balancing his knowledge of the situation with his fear of facing it.

⚠️ Caution 😨 Fear

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:35

Major Themes – Pulse (2006)

Explore the central themes of Pulse (2006), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👻 Isolation

Isolation emerges as a central theme in *Pulse*, highlighting how technology can disconnect individuals in profound ways. Despite being more connected than ever, characters are ultimately left alone to grapple with their fears and the consequences of their actions. This theme resonates deeply as the characters face both literal and metaphorical isolation from their previous lives and the world around them.

💻 Technology

The film critically examines the role of technology, showcasing how it can become a double-edged sword. In *Pulse*, technology is both a tool for connection and a means for a dark force to encroach upon human existence. The growing dependence on digital devices is portrayed as a potential pathway to disaster, urging viewers to ponder the implications of their own technological reliance.

⚡ Survival

Survival is a critical theme depicted in Mattie and Dexter's desperate attempts to combat the malevolent force threatening humanity. As they navigate the horror of their situation, the film reflects on the lengths individuals will go to protect themselves and those they care about. The struggle for survival underscores the fragility of life in a world where unseen threats lurk within everyday technologies.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:35

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Explore Movie Threads

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.

Technological Horror Movies like Pulse

Stories where unseen digital threats trigger the collapse of civilization.If you enjoyed the chilling premise of Pulse, this collection features movies with similar themes of digital dread and technological apocalypse. Find other stories where humanity faces extinction-level threats born from the very technology it created, in a desperate race against time.

apocalypticunsettlingparanoidoppressivedesolateanxioushopeless

Narrative Summary

These narratives typically begin with the discovery of a glitch or signal that spirals into an unstoppable force. The plot unfolds as a fast-paced investigation and survival story, where characters, often ordinary people, piece together the origin of the threat while society crumbles around them. The journey is marked by paranoia and the unsettling realization that the enemy is everywhere and nowhere.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped together for their shared focus on technology as the primary antagonist. They create a unique sense of horror by making the familiar—computers, phones, networks—profoundly threatening. The mood is consistently oppressive and anxious, driven by a high-stakes, fast-paced plot where the world ends not with a bang, but with a corrupted signal.

Bleak Apocalyptic Survival Stories like Pulse

Desperate journeys through a dying world where hope is a fleeting memory.For viewers who appreciated the grim, hopeless atmosphere of Pulse, this section curates movies with a similarly bleak approach to the end of the world. Discover films where characters face an unstoppable force, emphasizing psychological despair and the heavy emotional weight of survival against impossible odds.

hopelessapocalypticdesolatedespairoppressiveanxiouspsychological

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows a group or individual as they witness the rapid and complete disintegration of society. The conflict is less about defeating the threat and more about enduring it, often involving a futile search for answers or sanctuary. The character arc is typically one of despair and loss, culminating in an ending that offers little to no respite, reflecting the permanence of the collapse.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a profoundly bleak tone and a heavy emotional weight. They are united by their unflinching portrayal of hopelessness, where survival itself is a grim outcome. The pacing is often fast or steady, reflecting the relentless nature of the crisis, and the intensity remains high as characters face successive losses in a world becoming increasingly empty and hostile.

Unlock the Full Story of Pulse

Don't stop at just watching — explore Pulse 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 Pulse is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Pulse Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Pulse, 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.

Pulse Summary

Pulse Timeline

Track the full timeline of Pulse with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Pulse Timeline

Pulse Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Pulse 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.

Pulse Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Pulse

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Pulse: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Pulse

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