The Wraith

The Wraith

Year: 1986

Runtime: 93 min

Language: English

Director: Mike Marvin

ActionSci-FiThrillerHorrorRomance

When a group of childhood friends returns to their hometown, they inadvertently awaken a dark and sinister force connected to a decades-old tragedy. As a night of terrifying revelations unfolds, they must confront a cursed history that has haunted them for years. The friends find themselves in a desperate fight for survival, facing a terrifying threat that will test the bonds of their friendship and leave some vulnerable to a deadly fate.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Wraith (1986)

Trace every key event in The Wraith (1986) 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

Packard's Reign of Fear

In Brooks, Arizona, Packard Walsh emerges as the ruthless leader of a gang of car thieves, using fear and manipulation to control the town. His notorious activities include high-stakes races, which he uses to prey on individuals with valuable vehicles, making him a feared figure among locals.

Brooks, Arizona
2

Keri Johnson's Trauma

Keri Johnson, a victim of Packard's manipulation, is haunted by memories of her murdered boyfriend, Jamie Hankins. The traumatic loss leaves her with gaps in her memory, making her more vulnerable to Packard's possessive grasp as she navigates her grief.

Brooks, Arizona
3

Jake Kesey's Arrival

Jake Kesey rides into the town on a dirt bike, quickly forming friendships with Keri and Billy Hankins. As he becomes part of their lives, glimpses of his troubling past begin to surface, hinting at a violent history that has left deep scars.

Brooks, Arizona
4

The Mysterious Driver Emerges

The dominance of Packard's gang is challenged when a mysterious driver appears in a black helmet, driving a Dodge M4S Turbo Interceptor supercar. This unknown figure issues a daring challenge to Packard, igniting a dangerous rivalry filled with high-speed races and catastrophic incidents.

Brooks, Arizona
5

Tragic Races and Fatalities

The racing circuit spirals into chaos as the newcomer’s challenge results in deadly crashes, claiming the lives of two racers. One of the victims bears a haunting resemblance to Jamie Hankins, which creates chilling connections between the races and Keri's past.

Brooks, Arizona
6

Rughead's Discovery

Rughead, the gang’s tech expert, uncovers a connection between the recent fatalities and Jamie Hankins' murder. He shares his findings with Sheriff Loomis, heightening the urgency to solve the mysterious ties that bind the deaths to the violent past of the town.

Brooks, Arizona
7

Packard's Desperate Move

With his hold on the gang slipping, Packard decides to abandon Brooks for California. Before leaving, he kidnaps Keri and violently confronts Billy, showcasing his growing desperation as the situation spirals further out of control.

Brooks, Arizona
8

Keri's Courage in Danger

As Packard threatens Keri with a knife during their escape, she bravely fights back against his advances. In the midst of this chaos, hope arises when the Turbo Interceptor reappears, indicating a chance for salvation and a climactic confrontation.

9

The Final Showdown

A fierce clash unfolds between the Turbo Interceptor and Packard, culminating in a fiery wreck that symbolizes the destructive legacy of Packard's reign. This tragic end marks the downfall of Packard’s gang and the end of his tyranny over Brooks.

Brooks, Arizona
10

A Sense of Calm

With Packard's dominance finished, the search for the mysterious driver is called off, and a sense of normalcy returns to Brooks. The town's residents begin to heal from the chaos that has disrupted their lives for so long.

Brooks, Arizona
11

Keri's Unsettling Realization

As Keri returns home, she is struck by an overwhelming sense of déjà vu upon spotting the Turbo Interceptor. This vehicle leads her to a poignant encounter with Jake, who evokes memories of her lost love, Jamie, intensifying her emotional turmoil.

Brooks, Arizona
12

Jake's Final Task

In a deeply emotional moment, Jake reveals that he must complete a final task before he can reunite with Keri. He hands over the car keys to Billy, leaving everyone in stunned silence as the connection between past and present becomes palpable.

13

The Whisper of ‘You Already Know’

As Jake fades into the night, he leaves Keri and Billy with a haunting whisper: 'you already know.' This enigmatic statement provokes introspection, hinting at deeper truths about love, loss, and the nature of their intertwined fates.

14

A Moment of Clarity

Billy experiences a sudden clarity, recognizing the profound truths revealed during Jake's departure. This moment not only solidifies the bond between the characters but also emphasizes the lingering effects of Jamie's past on their present.

15

Two Lost Souls Unite

As the day fades into night, Loomis watches as Keri and Jake disappear into the desert twilight. Their merging silhouettes signify hope and healing as they embark on a new journey together, seeking solace in the vastness of the American wilderness.

Desert

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 20:24

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The Wraith Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Wraith

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