Watch Flatliners

Flatliners is a 1990 American psychological horror film directed by Joel Schumacher and starring Kiefer Sutherland, Kevin Bacon, Julia Roberts, William Baldwin, and Oliver Platt. The movie tells the story of a group of medical students who embark on a dangerous experiment to explore the afterlife by inducing cardiac arrest, only to discover that their past sins and traumas are coming back to haunt them.

The story revolves around five medical students: Nelson Wright (Kiefer Sutherland), Rachel Mannus (Julia Roberts), David Labraccio (Kevin Bacon), Joe Hurley (William Baldwin), and Randy Steckle (Oliver Platt), who are determined to find answers to the mysteries of life and death. Nelson, the leader of the group, is obsessed with the afterlife, having had a near-death experience as a child. He theorizes that death is not the end, but a doorway to a new realm of existence that can be explored with the proper technology and knowledge.

To put his theory to the test, Nelson convinces his colleagues to participate in a dangerous experiment: each of them will take turns inducing cardiac arrest for a few minutes by administering a powerful drug, then being revived. While "dead," they will record their experiences and bring back evidence of what lies beyond the veil of death. Despite the reservations of Rachel and David, and the outright refusal of Randy and Joe, the group ultimately agrees to Nelson's plan.

The first few attempts at inducing cardiac arrest are successful, and the students experience a euphoric sense of peace and freedom. However, as they continue to push the boundaries of death and explore deeper into the unknown, they begin to experience strange and terrifying visions. Memories from their past begin to haunt them, and they are forced to confront the sins and traumas they have buried deep inside. As their visions become more intense, they start to manifest in the real world, putting their lives and those of their loved ones in danger.

Flatliners is a tense and suspenseful movie that explores themes of guilt, atonement, and redemption. The film poses complex questions about the nature of life and death, and the consequences of playing God. It challenges viewers to question their beliefs about the afterlife and morality, and to consider the impact of their actions on themselves and others.

One of the biggest strengths of the movie is its talented cast, who bring depth and complexity to their roles. Kiefer Sutherland shines as the obsessive and intense Nelson, who is haunted by his past and determined to find answers at any cost. Kevin Bacon delivers a powerful performance as David, a charismatic and reckless student who struggles with the consequences of his actions. Julia Roberts is vulnerable and relatable as Rachel, who is plagued by guilt and regret over her past mistakes.

The film is also visually stunning, with inventive camera work, striking colors, and haunting images that stay with you long after the movie has ended. The soundtrack is also a standout, featuring a haunting score by James Newton Howard that perfectly captures the eerie and foreboding mood of the film.

Overall, Flatliners is a compelling and thought-provoking movie that holds up well even after 30 years. It is not just a horror film, but a meditation on life, death, and the human psyche. The movie leaves us with many questions and few answers, challenging us to confront our own fears and come to terms with our own mortality.

Flatliners is a 1990 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 55.