Split Second

Split Second

Year: 1992

Runtime: 90 min

Language: English

Director: Tony Maylam

ActionSci-FiThrillerHorrorCrime

Facing a devastating return of Hodgkin's lymphoma, police officer Mike Yancey struggles to maintain control as his personal life and career are threatened. The diagnosis forces him to confront difficult choices and fight for his future while dealing with the pressures of his job.

Split Second (1992) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Split Second (1992) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In a London choked by relentless rain, the city’s streets have become winding rivers and the usual clang of traffic is muffled by the constant roar of water. The flood‑torn metropolis feels both claustrophobic and endless, a sprawling maze where shadows hide more than just puddles. This bleak, almost noir‑like atmosphere sets the stage for a story that blends procedural tension with a lingering sense of dread, as every corner of the capital seems to whisper that something is lurking just beneath the surface.

Enter Dick Durkin, a fresh‑out‑of‑the‑academy officer eager to prove himself, and his partner Harley Stone, a hardened homicide detective whose reputation is built on surviving the darkest corners of the force. Stone’s habits—coffee, chocolate, and a nervous edge born from a traumatic loss—contrast sharply with Durkin’s methodical optimism. Their partnership is an uneasy one, forged by command directives that keep them glued together, forcing the rookie to observe the veteran’s volatile temperament while the older cop begrudgingly leans on his newcomer’s steadiness.

Against the backdrop of the flooded city, the two detectives are thrust into an investigation that defies ordinary explanation. Murders seem to follow an uncanny rhythm tied to the moon, and each crime scene hints at a deeper, almost scientific anomaly. As they sift through clues, the pressure mounts not only from the case itself but also from personal ghosts that haunt both men—old wounds, unresolved relationships, and the ever‑present strain of a job that demands absolute focus in a world gone awry.

The film balances gritty police work with a foreboding, almost supernatural undertone, inviting viewers to wonder what prowls the submerged tunnels and why the city’s own darkness seems to echo the detectives’ inner turmoil. The tension between duty and doubt, experience and naiveté, drives the narrative forward, promising a plunge into mysteries that are as much about the characters as the ever‑encroaching flood.

Last Updated: November 29, 2025 at 04:43

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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.

Dystopian Monster Hunts like in Split Second

High-stakes chases against monstrous threats in decaying, nightmarish futures.If you liked the high-tension monster hunt in the flooded London of Split Second, this thread collects other movies where brutal chases unfold against the backdrop of a grim, decaying future. Expect relentless pacing, graphic action, and a constant fight for survival in nightmarish worlds.

dystopianbrutaltensegrittyrelentlessmonsterchasesurvival

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a linear, fast-paced investigation or hunt. The protagonist, often haunted or flawed, is pushed to their limits while tracking a powerful, often supernatural, threat. The bleak world-building heightens the stakes, making survival the central, driving conflict.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared combination of a dystopian setting, a monstrous antagonist, and a brutal, fast-paced tone. They deliver an intense, visceral experience focused on gritty survival against overwhelming odds.

Movies with Obsessive Detectives like Split Second

Flawed heroes haunted by the past, driven by obsession in violent investigations.This collection is for viewers who enjoyed the troubled, obsessive detective in Split Second. Discover similar thrillers and crime stories where a tormented protagonist's personal demons fuel a high-stakes, often violent, investigation with a heavy emotional weight.

obsessivetenseparanoidgrittybrutalguiltinvestigationtrauma

Narrative Summary

The plot centers on a high-stakes investigation that mirrors the protagonist's internal struggles. The character's obsession intensifies as the case progresses, creating a claustrophobic and paranoid atmosphere. The ending often provides little catharsis, leaving the character, and the audience, with unresolved tension.

Why These Movies?

These movies are connected by their focus on a deeply flawed, obsessive protagonist whose psychological state drives the narrative. They share a dark tone, heavy emotional weight, and a focus on the blurring of personal and professional boundaries in a high-pressure situation.

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Split Second Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Split Second, 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.

Split Second Summary

Split Second Timeline

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

Split Second Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Split Second

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Split Second

More About Split Second

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Discover movies like Split Second 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.