Watch Miracle Mile

Miracle Mile is a nail-biting thriller that takes place over the course of one night in the bustling city of Los Angeles. The film follows the unlikely romance between Harry (Anthony Edwards), a struggling jazz musician with a penchant for romanticizing things, and Julie (Mare Winningham), a young and passionate waitress whom he meets in a diner.

Their love story is disrupted when Harry accidentally answers a ringing payphone in the diner's courtyard and hears a panicked voice on the other end. The caller claims to be a military officer and informs Harry that the United States has launched a full-scale nuclear attack against Russia. He also reveals that the attack is a preemptive strike and that the retaliation from the Soviet Union is imminent within the next hour.

Initially, Harry is skeptical and dismissive of the call, but as he starts to look for evidence to either prove or disprove the caller's story, he finds himself drawn deeper and deeper into a nightmarish scenario. He confides in Julie about the call, and together, they try to warn their loved ones and escape the city before the imminent attack.

As Harry and Julie's quest to outrun the impending danger unfurls, the audience is taken on a journey through the dark underbelly of Los Angeles, from the neon lights of the downtown area to the quiet suburbs. The film conjures a sense of claustrophobia and dread as the characters are trapped in a race against time and the inevitable doom that looms over them.

Anthony Edwards gives a powerful and nuanced performance as Harry, who transforms from a carefree musician into a man obsessed with survival. His relentless pursuit of a way out of the city provides the film with its gripping backbone, and his character's emotional journey is the heart of the film.

Mare Winningham is equally exceptional as Julie, who is at first skeptical of Harry's claims but quickly realizes the gravity of the situation. Her character serves as Harry's anchor, keeping him grounded and focused on their ultimate survival.

The supporting cast, which includes John Agar as Harry's grandfather, Denise Crosby as his ex-girlfriend, and Mykelti Williamson as a helicopter pilot, all deliver memorable performances that add depth to the film's narrative.

Director Steve De Jarnatt expertly builds and sustains tension throughout the film, using creative camerawork and a haunting score to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The film's climax is truly gripping and showcases De Jarnatt's skill at crafting cinematic suspense.

Overall, Miracle Mile is a haunting and thought-provoking film that explores the themes of love, morality, and survival in the face of disaster. It is a must-see for fans of the thriller genre and a testament to the power of independent filmmaking.

Miracle Mile is a 1989 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.