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Sci-fi thriller

Impulse (1984): Cast, Box Office & Plot

Impulse (1984) movie poster

Impulse is a 1984 sci-fi thriller directed by Graham Baker, starring Tim Matheson as Stuart, Meg Tilly and Lorinne Vozoff. It runs 1 hour 31 minutes and earned $2.8 million worldwide.

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Impulse (1984) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 31m (91 min)
Director
Graham Baker
Genres
Thriller , Sci-Fi , Mystery , Horror
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Impulse About?

The premise of Impulse without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

When a minor earthquake rattles a quiet, isolated town, something unseen is triggered within its residents. The tremor releases the deep‑seated desires, urges and passions that each person has locked away, prompting bizarre, violent and self‑destructive acts. The community spirals into chaotic behavior as suppressed impulses explode.

Impulse Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • earthquake
  • sex in public
  • male nudity
  • earthquake aftermath
  • child shot in the back
  • psychotronic film
  • quiet town
  • bizarre behaviour
  • self destructive behaviour
  • self destructive behavior
  • violent behaviour
  • alcohol consumption
+38 more
  • attempted suicide
  • drinking alcohol in a bar
  • drinking in a bar
  • drinking alcohol
  • implied oral sex
  • implied brother brother incest
  • shotgun
  • brother killed
  • gasoline fire
  • gasoline
  • sadism
  • sadist
  • sadistic doctor
  • insanity
  • mayhem
  • family argument
  • public argument
  • breaking finger
  • bank employee
  • bank guard
  • stealing money
  • theft
  • public urination
  • bank
  • dairy farm
  • cow
  • massage
  • argument
  • guest bedroom
  • breathing tube
  • hospital
  • doctor
  • bus
  • ballet dancer
  • ballerina
  • ballet
  • undershirt
  • suicide by shooting one's self in the head
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Cast & crew

Impulse Cast & Characters

Tim Matheson leads the cast as Stuart, with Meg Tilly as Jennifer and Lorinne Vozoff as Mrs. Russell. Directed by Graham Baker; 20 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Impulse

· 16 more
Plot

Impulse Plot Summary

What happens in Impulse from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Stuart, Tim Matheson, and his girlfriend Jennifer Russell, Meg Tilly, come to the town to visit her hospitalized mother. From the moment they arrive, a creeping unease settles over the place as several residents display increasingly odd behavior. While Stuart drinks the local milk, Jennifer abstains, and the day slowly spirals from curious oddities into something far more disturbing as the townspeople and Stuart begin to show signs of violence and extreme sexuality.

Full summary

The whole story of Impulse, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Impulse Box Office

Impulse grossed $2.8 million worldwide.

1984 box office

Worldwide gross

$2.8M

US & Canada
$2.8M
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Impulse?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who plays the character Stuart in the film?

Cars

Cars in Impulse

37 cars on screen, including the 1974 AMC Matador and the 1973 Chevrolet C-10.

All 37 cars
  • 1974 AMC Matador in Impulse 1974 AMC Matador Important role
  • 1973 Chevrolet C-10 in Impulse 1973 Chevrolet C-10 Important role
  • 1975 Chevrolet Suburban in Impulse 1975 Chevrolet Suburban Important role
  • 1973 GMC Suburban in Impulse 1973 GMC Suburban Important role
Details

Impulse Also Known As

3 alternative titles, including “Impulso infernal” and “Impulz”.

Also known as
  • Impulso infernal
  • Impulz
  • 魔变

Seen Impulse?

FAQ

Impulse FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office and post-credit scenes of Impulse, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Impulse?

Impulse runs 1 hour 31 minutes (91 minutes).

When was Impulse released?

Impulse was released on September 28, 1984.

Who directed Impulse?

Impulse was directed by Graham Baker.

More films by Graham Baker

Who is in the cast of Impulse?

Impulse stars Tim Matheson as Stuart, Meg Tilly as Jennifer and Lorinne Vozoff as Mrs. Russell, among 20 credited actors.

How much did Impulse make at the box office?

Impulse grossed $2.8 million worldwide.

Does Impulse have a post-credit scene?

No. Impulse has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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