The Signal

The Signal

Year: 2008

Runtime: 103 min

Language: English

Directors: David Bruckner, Dan Bush, Jacob Gentry

Sci-FiThrillerHorror

As New Year's Eve descends upon Terminus, a mysterious signal hijacks communication, unleashing primal fears and desires on the city. This chilling triptych weaves three perspectives into a horrific odyssey, revealing that the most terrifying monster may lurk within ourselves.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Signal (2008)
Trace every key event in The Signal (2008) 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

Mysterious Signal Emerges

A peculiar and haunting signal begins broadcasting through every device in the city, including cell phones, radios, and televisions. This enigmatic phenomenon soon captivates the attention of the residents, hinting at something sinister lurking beneath the surface of their mundane lives.

City
2

First Contact

Citizens, upon hearing the signal for the first time, experience strange and powerful urges that seem beyond their control. The effect of the transmission awakens violent tendencies, leading to an overwhelming sense of paranoia and dread.

City
3

Chaos Erupts

As the signal continues to play, everyday life spirals into utter chaos. Friends turn against one another, and ordinary encounters devolve into life-or-death struggles as people succumb to the influence of the insidious sound waves.

City Streets
4

Psychotic Breakdowns

With the signal broadcasting incessantly, many individuals begin to experience psychotic episodes. These breakdowns showcase the darker sides of humanity, as trust erodes and paranoia takes hold amongst citizens, leading to ghastly acts of violence.

Various Locations
5

Resistance to Death

Amidst the chaos, a select few begin to exhibit a zombielike resistance to the idea of dying. It becomes clear that their minds are fighting against the signals' influence, creating tension between those who succumb and those who resist the madness.

City
6

Shifting Perspectives

The narrative cleverly shifts perspectives, showcasing the individual experiences and turmoil of various characters. This technique not only builds suspense but also provides a broader understanding of the chaos unfolding in the city due to the signal.

7

Jealousy and Betrayal

As the signal continues to provoke violent behavior, personal relationships disintegrate under the pressure of jealousy and betrayal. Characters confront dark secrets and hidden emotions as they struggle for survival against one another.

8

Gore and Madness

The film blends graphic violence with psychological satire, creating a unique horror experience. Audiences witness the disturbing transformations of characters, as the blend of bloodshed and human depravity reveals the true extent of their madness.

9

Final Confrontations

As the city devolves into a battleground, survivors face off against friends and loved ones who are now enemies. These final confrontations expose the real horrors of the influence of media on the human psyche, driving home the film's satirical edge.

City Center
10

Eerie Resolution

In the film's conclusion, the effects of the signal leave a haunting mark on the survivors and the city. The story leaves viewers contemplating the fragile boundaries between sanity and insanity, as well as the pervasive power of media in shaping human behavior.

City

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 20:30

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