Shocker

Shocker

Year: 1989

Runtime: 109 min

Language: English

Director: Wes Craven

ThrillerHorrorComedy

After a deal with the devil, a TV repairman turned serial killer is resurrected as electricity, seeking revenge on the detective who imprisoned him and his teenage son. The killer unleashes a shocking rampage, using his electrical form to terrorize the town. As the detective and his son grapple with the supernatural threat, they discover a mysterious connection through shared dreams, which may be the key to stopping his deadly spree and preventing further chaos.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Shocker (1989)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Shocker (1989). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Los Angeles suburb, Pinker’s repair shop, power station, television dish

The movie unfolds across a Los Angeles suburb, anchoring the horror in a familiar residential landscape. Key locations include Pinker’s repair shop, the power station where the city’s electricity becomes a battleground, and the television dish that becomes a conduit for his powers. These places form a gritty contrast between everyday life and the supernatural threat.

🗺️ Suburban locale 🏭 Industrial locations 🎭 Horror setting

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:29

Main Characters – Shocker (1989)

Meet the key characters of Shocker (1989), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Horace Pinker (Mitch Pileggi)

A cold-blooded serial killer who gains supernatural powers after a devilish deal, transforming into pure electricity and able to possess others. He is ruthless, cunning, and relentlessly haunted by his own dark pact. His power is both terrifying and alluring, making him an almost unstoppable threat.

🔪 Serial killer 😈 Supernatural ⚡ Possession

Lt. Don Parker (Michael Murphy)

A determined Los Angeles detective whose family tragedy fuels his relentless pursuit of Pinker. He embodies professional duty under personal strain, and his courage is tested as Pinker twists his reality. The case pushes him to confront supernatural danger and personal loss.

🕵️ Detective 💔 Family tragedy 🛡 Determination

Jonathan (Sam Scarber)

Parker’s foster son and college football star who develops a strange dream-connection with Pinker. He is resourceful, brave, and ultimately instrumental in outsmarting the killer. His relationship with Alison anchors the human stakes of the conflict.

🏈 Athlete 🌀 Dream connection 🛡 Resilience

Alison (Heather Langenkamp)

Jonathan’s girlfriend who becomes a casualty of Pinker’s wrath, her spirit later guiding Jonathan. She embodies love and loss, serving as a beacon for the protagonists during the battle. Her presence lingers as a voice urging Jonathan to take care of himself.

💔 Victim 👻 Spirit guide 🗝 Catalyst

Rhino (Ted Raimi)

Jonathan’s friend among his circle of supporters, who joins the plan to disable the killer’s power at the power station. A loyal ally, he helps navigate the dangerous chase and contributes to the final confrontation.

🏈 Football friend 🧭 Loyal ally 🎯 Sidekick

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:29

Major Themes – Shocker (1989)

Explore the central themes of Shocker (1989), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

😈 Demonic Pact

Horace Pinker’s power stems from a deal with the devil, turning a human killer into an electric, near-unstoppable force. The transformation blurs the line between supernatural horror and urban crime, emphasizing how evil can transcend typical limits. The theme questions responsibility after making a dark bargain and the price of immortality.

⚖️ Vengeance and Justice

Lt. Don Parker pursues Pinker with relentless determination after his family is targeted, illustrating the costly drive for justice. The narrative shows the toll of violence on loved ones and the fallibility of law when faced with a seemingly invincible foe. The climactic arc tests resolve, loyalty, and the ethics of punishment.

⚡ Electric Power

Electricity and media become weapons as Pinker manipulates energy and televisions to torment and escape. The plot leverages tech motifs to build fear, turning everyday infrastructure into a dangerous instrument. The ending uses a citywide blackout to trap the villain, underscoring how control over power can decide life and death.

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:29

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Unlock the Full Story of Shocker

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

Shocker Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Shocker, 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.

Shocker Summary

Shocker Timeline

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

Shocker Timeline

More About Shocker

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