Watch The Dead Zone

The Dead Zone is a supernatural thriller film directed by David Cronenberg, based on the novel of the same name by Stephen King. The movie stars Christopher Walken as Johnny Smith, a high school teacher who falls into a coma after a car accident and wakes up five years later with psychic powers. The film also features Brooke Adams as Sarah Bracknell, Johnny's former girlfriend, and Tom Skerritt as Sheriff Bannerman, the local law enforcement officer.

The film begins with Johnny as a happy and charismatic high school teacher, in a loving relationship with Sarah Bracknell. However, their romance comes to an abrupt end when Johnny is involved in a car accident that leaves him in a coma for five years. When he awakens, Johnny learns that Sarah has married and had a child with another man, and that his life has changed beyond recognition.

Johnny also discovers that he has acquired psychic powers, which allow him to see into the future of anyone he touches. However, his abilities are not just limited to peering into people's futures; he also has the power to change them. Johnny's powers come with a downside though, as touching someone often results in Johnny having a vision of a horrific event that has not yet happened.

Johnny initially tries to live a normal life, but his visions and the impact they have on him become increasingly unbearable. Despite his desire to live a normal life, Johnny is drawn into using his powers to help the people around him. He first assists a local sheriff in tracking down a serial killer, and later assists a politician running for office during a tumultuous campaign.

The climax of the film centers around Johnny's visions of a presidential candidate who he foresees will bring about nuclear war. This vision brings him into contact with a ruthless political operative who intends to use Johnny's powers for his own gain.

The Dead Zone is a tense and eerie film that explores themes of power, fate, and responsibility. Christopher Walken gives an impressive performance as Johnny, bringing depth and pathos to the character. The supporting cast also delivers strong performances, particularly Brooke Adams as the conflicted Sarah Bracknell and Tom Skerritt as the dutiful Sheriff Bannerman.

The film is notable for its use of practical effects and makeup to create grotesque and nightmarish visions. The cinematography is also striking, with Cronenberg using a muted color palette to create an unsettling and foreboding atmosphere.

Overall, The Dead Zone is a gripping and thought-provoking film that explores the mysteries of fate and the cost of power. It is a must-see for fans of the horror/thriller genre, as well as those interested in the works of Stephen King.

The Dead Zone is a 1983 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 69.