Watch Impulse
- PG
- 1974
- 1 hr 26 min
-
4.8 (702)
Impulse is a 1974 American mystery-thriller film directed by William Grefe and starring William Shatner, Ruth Roman, and Jennifer Bishop. The movie is centered around the character of Matt Stone (William Shatner), a homicide detective who is struggling with his own personal demons while trying to solve a string of murders in Miami. The movie begins with a woman named Laura (Kim Nicholas) being chased through Miami by an unknown assailant. As she runs through the streets in a panic, she unknowingly stumbles upon the detective's car, which is parked nearby. Matt Stone witnesses her strange behavior and decides to follow her. His instincts lead him to an abandoned building where Laura is killed before his eyes.
The investigation into Laura's death leads Stone to a seedy nightclub, where he meets Jennifer (Jennifer Bishop), a young dancer who was close friends with the victim. Jennifer becomes a key player in the investigation, helping Stone unravel the dangerous web of secrets and lies that led to Laura's murder.
As Stone and Jennifer dig deeper, they uncover a larger conspiracy involving a wealthy businessman named Henry Jordan (Harold J. Stone) and his relationships with several shady characters in the Miami underworld. Ruth Roman plays Angie, Jordan's sharp-tongued wife who has her own secrets to hide.
Throughout the movie, Stone's personal life also plays a prominent role. He is struggling to cope with the death of his wife and the guilt he feels for not being able to save her. As he becomes more involved in the investigation, his obsession with the case begins to take a toll on his mental health, causing him to question his own sanity.
Impulse is a classic detective story with all the elements of a great thriller – a dark and seedy underworld, a flawed protagonist with a tortured past, and unexpected twists and turns that keep the viewer on the edge of their seat. William Shatner delivers a strong performance as Matt Stone, playing the character with just the right amount of edge and vulnerability. Ruth Roman and Jennifer Bishop also give standout performances as the two women who become ensnared in Stone's investigation.
The movie is expertly shot, with a moody and atmospheric visual style that adds to the overall sense of tension and unease. The score, composed by Tangerine Dream, is also a highlight, perfectly capturing the movie's ominous tone.
Overall, Impulse is a must-see for fans of classic thrillers and detective stories. The movie expertly blends elements of film noir with a touch of psychological horror to create a truly unique cinematic experience. William Shatner's performance is particularly noteworthy, cementing his status as a leading man with undeniable acting chops. Impulse is a movie that will keep you guessing until the very end.