Overview
The 2019 indie thriller Radioflash, which was directed and co-written by Ben McPherson, is a blend of visceral imagery and thematically rich psychological horror which intricately ties the concept of love within a family. It features the talents of Brighton Sharbino, Dominic Monaghan, Will Patton, and Fionnula Flanagan. The film showcases the consequences of societal collapse and the struggle of survival, alongside the debate of whether survival is instinctual or based on connection.
Unlike many post-apocalyptic genre films that focus on conflict and destruction through the lenses of a war or a creature with otherworldly powers, Radioflash is centered on the fear and consequences of deep-rooted distrust, the unknown, and isolation. It is enveloped with the concept of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP), which serves as the backbone of a blackout. While the film can be placed in the “survival thriller” category, it uniquely stands out by having a dreamlike, slow-paced rhythm that prioritizes the development of its characters.
Plot Synopsis
The film follows the journey of a teenage girl and a tech whiz, Reese. She is living in a small town alongside her father, Chris, and shares a deep fascination with virtual reality, technology, and modern survival skills. Frank, her grandfather, was a long-time survivalist and now resides in a remote mountain cabin, which adds the notion of the outdoors to Reese’s interests.
Let’s imagine a different scenario for a moment. Everything is organized, people are engaged in their daily lives, and life is relatively uneventful. Out of nowhere, complete and utter chaos ensues. An EMP blast raises havoc in the western United States, brutally shattering everything in its wake. Airplanes begin spiraling and crashing, communications systems are rendered useless and panic tears across the land. Amidst all of this, life as we know it comes to a standstill as the United States is enveloped in pure havoc. Within a few short hours, the western United States is reduced to a full-fledged conflict zone as people loot and fight desperately for their lives.
This is the part where we meet the protagonists of our story, Chris and Reese. They are quick to gather their things and escape in a move to reach Frank’s cabin who, in their minds, will be well equipped to shelter them. Reese and Chris are on the move, but an unfortunate moment of bad luck claims Chris’s life in a car collision. Now Reese is all on her own.
Reese sets out to navigate the rest of the way on her own. Leaving the city, Reese realizes that instead of the threats being irrational, out of the ordinary, or out of this world, they are the complete opposite – all her challenges are the outcome of society’s and human actions. It’s not hopeless, but there’s a great deal of struggle ahead for her.Reese runs into a bizarre family that lives in a remote part of forest. Initially, they seem to be kind since they offer her food, a place to rest, and even accommodation. Regardless, the family conceals deeply unsettling secrets. It becomes clear that they are not trustworthy, and Reese has to use her skills and instincts to navigate the treacherous situation.
Will Patton’s character Frank ventures out of the safety of his cabin to search for his granddaughter. He, too, runs parallel to Reese’s path. Both of these characters need to confront the burden of trauma stemming from loss and isolation in order to heal and come together.
The film’s climax features a suspenseful blend of captivity, escape, and a rigorous test of Reese’s psyche and physique. In the end, her survival instincts don’t solely rely on the skills she’s acquired through the years; rather, it’s her emotional strength and a clear, determined purpose that allows her to emerge victorious.
Cast and Characters
Brighton Sharbino as Reese
Sharbino’s performance as Reese was impactful, as she was able to showcase both vulnerability and grit. Her performance effectively depicted the confusion, fear, and a blend of determination and hopelessness of a young woman in the midst of a chaotic situation.
Dominic Monaghan as Chris (Reese’s Father)
Although Monaghan’s character dies early in the movie, his impact is significant. He still haunts Reese in his thoughts, depicting the comfort of the world prior to the blackout.
Will Patton as Frank (Reese’s grandfather)
Patton’s character displays the cultic rugged individualism of a survivalist. He adds a new angle to the narrative by demonstrating the contrast of modern disasters as compared to old ways of survival.
Fionnula Flanagan as the Matriarch of the Forest family
Flanagan instills quiet yet murderous rage to her character. Her role captures the dread that accompanies the absence of social order and the invasion of anarchy.
Direction and Visual Style
Ben McPherson, the director, takes an unorthodox view of the survival thriller genre. The film, unlike the typical frantic survival thrillers, is methodical. Action is sparse and atmosphere takes center stage, giving Radioflash a dreamlike, at times surreal, quality through the use of blurring reality—halluicnations and dream sequences.
Cinematography emphasizes quiet, natural light, and close-up shots showcasing a character’s isolation. The film’s use of visual metaphors—like fire, broken technology, and mirrors— depicting the themes of fragility, disconnection, and perception.
Themes and Analysis
- Technology vs Nature
The film shows the irony of a generation that grew up with technology having to survive without it. Reese starts off the film “living” in a virtual world, but her true ordeal is navigating the physically and psychologically brutal world of post EMP survival.
- Wisdom of the Ages
Reese’s grandfather the survivalist epitomizes a generation that prioritizes self-sufficience and self-preparation. Reese’s journey honors that legacy while adapting it—blending old world skills with new world flexibility.
- Loyalty and Family
A good part of the film is motivated by Reese’s desire to reestablish emotional bonds with her father and grandfather, along with a more general sense of safety. Trust, which is key in her dealing with strangers, is another worrying factor with Reese who is faced with the unkindest of kindness.
- Mental Resilience
The film focuses more on the psychology of survival as opposed to action and violence. Reese is not only adept mentally, but emotionally, as well, being able to endure a great deal mentally with determination. Emotional fortitude and mental clarity affords her a fighting chance.
The film received mixed reviews and the same can be said for the audience’s response. Looking to 2025, the film is set to have a rating of 4.8 out of 10 which places it in the center of divisive.
Positive reviews commended the film’s Brighton Sharbino’s performance and the overall atmosphere of the movie. Given that the apocalypse is a popular film genre, many viewers praised the more calm and contemplative approach the film took. For those who were sick of cliché-filled, over-the-top disaster movies, Radioflash provided a more meditative experience.
There were also critics who wrote negative reviews focusing on the failure to create any feeling of urgency or tension throughout the film. Some viewers found the story’s more dream-like elements vague and disconnected. A portion of the audiences also expressed a desire for a more fast-paced plot and a more straightforward sequence of events.
Regardless of the film’s issues, and the wider audience it could have had, Radioflash did develop a devoted following, especially among fans of minimalist survival stories, indie visuals, and thrillers that unfold gradually.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
Brighton Sharbino’s lead role gives a captivating performance.
The cinematography and direction are both beautiful and atmospheric.
The film’s blend of psychological thriller and survival drama is captivating and fresh.
The film explores intricate themes of family and resilience.
Weaknesses:
The pacing is extremely slow and might annoy action-oriented viewers.
The story’s second quarter is particularly suffering from a lack of cohesive structure.
The supporting roles lack thoroughly developed backstories.
Some apparent story gaps will be difficult for parts of the audience to follow.
Conclusion
Radioflash is definitely not your run-of-the-mill apocalypse film. It bends the conventions of genre film-making towards silence, introspective thought, and emotional survival. While the film might not appeal to the expectations of a high-octane thriller, it will appeal to those who wish to embrace the slow pace.
The film focuses on a teenage girl’s emotional and physical journey, and in doing so, it provides a more personal perspective on disaster. It showcases the themes of irrevocable loss, the ability to endure, and the painstaking process of seeking hope in a system that has collapsed.
Watch Free Movies on Fmovies