The Believers

The Believers

Year: 1987

Runtime: 114 min

Language: English

Director: John Schlesinger

DramaMysteryThrillerHorrorCrime

In this gripping thriller, a small band of outsiders - including a maverick scientist and an unlikely teenage prodigy - risks everything to crack the code of cold fusion, defying the skepticism of the scientific establishment and uncovering secrets that threaten to upend their lives.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Believers (1987)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Believers (1987). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events of 'The Believers' unfold in contemporary times, specifically in the late 20th century. This period is characterized by urban challenges, an increase in crime, and a growing interest in spirituality and the occult, reflecting the societal issues that the film grapples with.

Location

New York City, Staten Island, Minneapolis

The movie takes place primarily in New York City, a bustling metropolis known for its diverse culture and vibrant life. Staten Island features prominently as a site of a gruesome crime, symbolizing the darker elements lurking beneath the city’s surface. Minneapolis, where the protagonist relocates from, represents a quieter, more suburban life before the chaos in New York unfolds.

🌆 City 🏡 Country 🎭 Urban

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:09

Main Characters – The Believers (1987)
Meet the key characters of The Believers (1987), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Cal Jamison (Martin Sheen)

Cal is a psychologist burdened by the tragic death of his wife, which propels him into a nightmarish investigation of ritualistic child murders. His character embodies a blend of rationality and emotional turmoil, as he battles grief while desperately trying to safeguard his son from impending danger. Cal's journey is marked by his transformation from a grieving father to a determined protector.

👨‍⚕️ Psychologist 💔 Grief 🛡️ Protector

Chris Jamison (Harley Cross)

Chris, Cal's young son, finds himself at the center of a malevolent cult's plans. His innocence contrasts sharply with the dark developments around him. As a child caught in the escalating horror, Chris represents the vulnerability of youth against unseen and sinister forces.

👦 Child 💔 Innocence 🚨 Target

Jessica (Helen Shaver)

Jessica is Cal's girlfriend who becomes entwined in the dangerous events surrounding the cult. Her character is marked by vulnerability but also a sense of agency, as she becomes a target while attempting to navigate through fear and chaos. Her connection to Cal deepens the emotional stakes of the story.

💁‍♀️ Girlfriend ⚠️ Vulnerability 🌪️ Chaos

Palo (Richard Masur)

Palo is a sinister character representing the cult's malevolent influence. As a charismatic yet dangerous figure, he embodies the film's exploration of occult practices and the allure of power. His interactions with Cal and Chris pivot the story toward its harrowing climax.

🔮 Cultist ⚔️ Antagonist 😈 Malevolence

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:09

Major Themes – The Believers (1987)
Explore the central themes of The Believers (1987), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔮 Occultism

The film delves into themes of occultism and the influence of cults, exploring how ancient practices can intertwine with modern life. Characters find themselves engulfed in a world steeped in rituals, where belief systems clash with rationality and ethics. This theme underscores the horror of losing loved ones to dark beliefs and the desperate measures taken to protect one's family.

👨‍👦 Fatherhood

Cal Jamison's journey is fundamentally about fatherhood and the lengths a parent will go to protect their child. As he grapples with loss and fear, his paternal instincts drive him to confront unimaginable horrors. The evolving relationship between Cal and his son Chris is central to the narrative, highlighting both vulnerability and resilience.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:09

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