Brainstorm

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Brainstorm

PG

1983

1h 46m

Sci-Fi

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

57%

Tomatometer

21 Reviews

57%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

Researchers Michael Brace (Christopher Walken) and Lillian Reynolds (Louise Fletcher) develop a system that allows the recording and playback of a person's thoughts onto videotape. The project spins dangerously out of control when Brace and his colleagues begin using the technology to explore intense sexual and near-death experiences. When the military moves to hijack the project for their own nefarious purposes, Brace tries to outwit them with help from his estranged wife (Natalie Wood).

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

Oct 23, 2004

2/4

The characters take such a secondary importance to the gadget that we never feel much for them.

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Bill Arceneaux

Moviegoing with Bill

Feb 10, 2022

4/5

When combined with such vision and such application of large-format filmmaking, elevation occurs past popcorn thrills to memorable chills. It's some kind of masterpiece, rivaled only by the works of James Cameron (yes) and Terrence Malick (for sure).

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Alan Jones

Starburst

Jun 29, 2020

An absorbing and disturbing look into telepathic engineering with a spectacular pay-off that deeply touches us all, dealing as it does with the subject of life after death.

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Sergio Benítez

Espinof

May 7, 2020

It could have worked much more efficiently if its script did not fail so miserably either to make us feel close to its protagonists or to propose a plot that did not reach its last minutes completely frayed. [Full Review in Spanish]

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Diego Galán

El Pais (Spain)

Feb 10, 2020

The film can't decide whether it's scientific, political, or simply a romance. [Full Review in Spanish]

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

Oct 3, 2018

2/4

...an ambitious yet disastrously unfocused misfire from a thoroughly talented filmmaker.

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Robert P

@Superbad Sep 18, 2026

Brainstorm = a *3* star Movie!

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Kevin T.

@Nathometheatre Jun 10, 2026

This movie was so ahead of its time. Amazing plot with an amazing cast! Louise Fletcher knocked it out of the park, especially with the death scene! Christopher Walken and Natalie Wood were great together! We’ve all wondered what life after death would be like, and to try to capture that on film is tough to do! But I think this movie sells it pretty well. Natalie’s last movie. I loved watching Natalie Wood so much, that we named our daughter after her.

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Christian S.

@Cstein99 Apr 27, 2026

Thoroughly entertaining and thought provoking.

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Kerry J

@RT41962492 Jul 21, 2025

Louise Fletcher ruined this film. Abysmal role and overacting.

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Lucas C

@TLG76 Jan 2, 2025

A very 80s sci-fi thriller, with lots of gadgets and gizmos, Brainstorm may not live up to the potential of its very brilliant concepts, but it's got some interesting moments and a few genuinely intense moments.

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Kris P

@RT19280295 Nov 10, 2024

I see that many are not giving this film good ratings. While i usually agree with both the critics and audience reviews in here, I could not disagree more on this one. I first saw this on HBO when i was 13 or 14. It left an indelible impression on me. I finally just rewatched it - thinking it might not hold up to the expectations of a 13 year old. I was wrong. I found the storyline Truly compelling, the acting top par, and the execution and special effects quite convincing. The idea of recording our thoughts and feelings and having others experience them - and vice versa - could truly change the world. Particularly at a time when we have never been more divisive. The critics got this one wrong. Watch the movie with an open mind. You wont regret it.

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Douglas Trumbull

Director

Christopher Walken

Michael Brace

Natalie Wood

Karen Brace

Louise Fletcher

Lillian Reynolds

Cliff Robertson

Alex Terson

Joe Dorsey

Hal Abramson

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Synopsis

Researchers Michael Brace (Christopher Walken) and Lillian Reynolds (Louise Fletcher) develop a system that allows the recording and playback of a person's thoughts onto videotape. The project spins dangerously out of control when Brace and his colleagues begin using the technology to explore intense sexual and near-death experiences. When the military moves to hijack the project for their own nefarious purposes, Brace tries to outwit them with help from his estranged wife (Natalie Wood).

Director: Douglas Trumbull
Producer: Douglas Trumbull
Screenwriter: Robert Stitzel, Philip Frank Messina
Production Co: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Rating: PG
Genre: Sci-Fi
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 22, 2009
Runtime: 1h 46m
Sound Mix: Stereo, Surround

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