Radio Free Albemuth 2014

In a dystopian 1985, the United States is under the tight grip of authoritarian rule led by President Fremont. Life for Nick Brady, a record store clerk, is a surreal journey shared with his wife Rachel and their infant son, as they struggle against the overwhelming repression surrounding them. As Nick’s visions become increasingly vivid, he turns to his close friend, science fiction writer Philip K. Dick, confiding in him about a recurring symbol that haunts his dreams: the ichthys.

As the two men discuss Nick’s experiences, his grasp on reality begins to crumble, intertwining his waking life with his dreamland. One fateful night, in a coffee shop, a mysterious pink laser beam strikes Nick, prompting him to rush his son to the ER, where the doctor reveals an inguinal hernia—proof of Nick’s surreal visions being more than just figments of his imagination.

While Nick navigates this bizarre reality, Philip finds himself wrapped up in intrigue when two members from the FAP (Friends of the American People) approach him, attempting to uncover details about Nick’s VALIS-induced hallucinations. Despite their coercive tactics and hidden threats, Philip remains tight-lipped, although one cunning female agent attempts to seduce secrets from him, further complicating the situation.

As the narrative unfolds, Nick’s dreams transport him to a world where music is a powerful weapon against the oppressive forces around them. He is captivated by a mysterious woman who embodies a rebellious spirit—this woman turns out to be Sylvia, who seeks employment at his record label, unbeknownst to Nick about her secret allegiance to a group receiving messages from VALIS.

In a shocking twist, the Russian government destroys the orbiting satellite, leading Sylvia to disclose startling information: there exists a vast network of individuals across the globe connected by their reception of VALIS transmissions. Together, they craft a song imbued with subliminal messages, which Nick insists the band The Fisher Kings records, much to their reluctance. When they perform this new song live, Nick shares crucial insights about the embedded messages with Philip, painting a compelling vision of using art and rebellion to stand against tyranny.

As the shadow of oppression grows heavier, Nick and Philip find themselves ensnared by the relentless FAP. In a desperate act of resistance, they enact their own brand of justice, resulting in the untimely demise of both Nick and Sylvia. The film draws to a poignant close with Philip behind bars, pouring out his soul through writing, chronicling Nick’s extraordinary journey through VALIS. In a striking contrast, a group of teenagers revels in a nearby open field, their boombox resonating with Sylvia’s subliminal anthem. In this moment of realization, Philip recognizes the strength and resilience of the human spirit—the clandestine organization’s song has infiltrated the very society the FAP seeks to control, illustrating a powerful rebellion against oppression.