Testament (1983): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
Testament is a 1983 sci-fi drama directed by Lynne Littman, starring Leon Ames, William Devane and Lukas Haas. It runs 1 hour 30 minutes and earned $2 million worldwide. It was nominated for 1 Oscar. Critics gave it 71 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.9/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 30m (90 min)
- Director
- Lynne Littman
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Paramount Pictures
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Testament About?
The premise of Testament without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
A nuclear attack devastates the Eastern Seaboard and California, plunging the quiet town of Hamlin into chaos. The Wetherly family struggles with the effects of radiation poisoning but finds strength in their bond and the support of their community. Led by Carol, they open their home to other survivors, facing an uncertain future with courage and resilience in the aftermath of the catastrophe.
Testament Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- nuclear war
- cold war
- nuclear attack
- survival
- death of a child
- world war three
- loss of brother
- loss of daughter
- loss of sister
- loss of son
- near future
- marriage
+38 more Show fewer
- neighbor
- dystopian sci fi
- flashback
- husband wife relationship
- defcon
- disaster film
- american
- live action
- boy frontal nudity
- boy rear nudity
- title directed by female
- loss of father
- loss of mother
- loss of parents
- dementia
- fallout
- radioactive fallout
- brother sister relationship
- brother brother relationship
- burial
- amateur radio
- perseverance
- rationing
- isolation
- fate
- memory
- emotional breakdown
- burning a corpse
- lesion
- vomiting
- journal
- small town
- burglary
- theft
- loss of husband
- air raid siren
- illness
- post nuclear war
Testament Cast
Leon Ames leads the cast, with William Devane and Lukas Haas. Directed by Lynne Littman; 10 actors are credited in all.
- Director Lynne Littman
Also Starring in Testament
· 6 moreMore from Lynne Littman
More films directed by Lynne Littman: Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years, Freak City, Cagney & Lacey: True Convictions and Number Our Days.
Testament Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Testament 71 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.9/10.
-
IMDb 6.9 /10
See on IMDb -
Metacritic 71 Metascore
See on Metacritic
Testament Plot Summary
What happens in Testament from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
It begins as a typical morning in the Wetherly household, where Carol is busy getting her three children, Brad (the eldest), Mary Liz, and Scottie, prepared for school. Her husband, Tom, and Brad share a quick bike ride, during which Tom’s criticism of Brad becomes apparent when the young boy struggles to conquer a steep hill. On their way back, they greet Henry Abhart, their elderly neighbor, and Mike, the gas station owner, who has a special needs son named Hiroshi, often seen fishing with the Wetherlys.
As Carol immerses herself in directing a play titled The Pied Piper of Hamelin at the elementary school, the children eagerly participate. Mary Liz accompanies the performance on piano, while Scottie takes on the role of a small crippled boy.
Full summary
The whole story of Testament, scene by scene
Testament Box Office
Testament grossed $2 million worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$2M
- US & Canada
- $2M
Testament Awards & Nominations
Testament was nominated for 1 Oscar. The 2 nominations come from 2 ceremonies.
2 nominations2 ceremonies
-
Golden Globes 1984 1 nomination- Nominated Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Drama – Jane Alexander
-
Oscars 1984 1 nomination- Nominated Actress in a Leading Role – Jane Alexander
Testament Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 featurette.
- Featurette Testament at 20
How Well Do You Know Testament?
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What role does Carol play in the school play?
Cars in Testament
9 cars on screen, including the 1978 Chevrolet Monza Wagon and the 1974 Volvo 145.
-
1978 Chevrolet Monza Wagon Minor role -
1974 Volvo 145 Minor role -
1977 Buick LeSabre Background role -
1973 Chevrolet C-30 Background role
Testament Also Known As
9 alternative titles, including “Herança Nuclear” and “Das letzte Testament”.
- Also known as
-
- Herança Nuclear
- Das letzte Testament
- Testamento final
- Testamentum
- Le dernier testament
- Завещание
- Testamentas
- 遗嘱
- O Testamento
Seen Testament?
Movies Like Testament
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Aftermath, Threads and My Nuclear Family.
Testament FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Testament, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Testament?
Testament runs 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes).
When was Testament released?
Testament was released on November 4, 1983.
Who directed Testament?
Testament was directed by Lynne Littman.
More films by Lynne Littman Who is in the cast of Testament?
Testament stars Leon Ames, William Devane and Lukas Haas, among 10 credited actors.
How much did Testament make at the box office?
Testament grossed $2 million worldwide.
How is Testament rated?
Testament has 6.9/10 on IMDb and 71 on Metacritic.
Was Testament nominated for any awards?
Testament received 2 nominations across 2 ceremonies.
Does Testament have a post-credit scene?
No. Testament has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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