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Brainstorm

Play trailer Poster for Brainstorm PG 1983 1h 46m Sci-Fi Play Trailer Watchlist
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57% Tomatometer 21 Reviews 56% 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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Brainstorm

Critics Reviews

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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. Go to Full Review 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). Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review 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] Go to Full Review 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] Go to Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews Oct 3, 2018
2/4
...an ambitious yet disastrously unfocused misfire from a thoroughly talented filmmaker. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Robert P @Superbad 1 day ago Brainstorm = a *3* star Movie! See more 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. See more Christian S. @Cstein99 Apr 27, 2026 Thoroughly entertaining and thought provoking. See more Kerry J @RT41962492 Jul 21, 2025 Louise Fletcher ruined this film. Abysmal role and overacting. See more 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. See more 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. See more Read all reviews
Brainstorm

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Cast & Crew

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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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Brainstorm

Brainstorm (1983) Brainstorm (1983) View more photos

Movie Info

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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