What Is Pulse About?
The premise of Pulse in 314 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the crisp, early‑morning light of a bustling training facility, Oksana moves with the poise of someone who has already earned the weight of a nation’s hopes on her shoulders. A talented snowboarder with a fierce determination to wear her country’s colors on the Olympic stage, she balances the rigors of relentless practice with the quiet pressures of family expectations and personal ambition. The world around her glitters with the promise of medals, yet it is also a place where every slip can echo far beyond the slope.
A sudden, violent car crash shatters that rhythm, pulling Oksana out of the familiar cadence of training and thrusting her into a stark, unfamiliar landscape of hospitals, recovery rooms, and endless medical assessments. The physical injuries are only part of the story; the accident also opens a fissure in her sense of identity, forcing her to confront a future that no longer seems as certain as the finish line she has always chased. Around her, friends and coaches whisper encouragement, but the silence that settles in the moments between their words feels heavy with unspoken doubts.
As she begins the slow process of healing, Oksana discovers a resilience she never knew she possessed. The film’s tone blends gritty realism with an undercurrent of quiet hope, painting a portrait of a young athlete grappling with loss, fear, and the lingering shadows of what might have been. The stark contrast between the bright, competitive world she left behind and the dim, introspective spaces of her recovery creates a compelling atmosphere—one that invites viewers to wonder how far determination can carry a spirit bruised but not broken.
In this delicate balance of struggle and perseverance, the story sets the stage for an emotional journey that asks whether a dream forged in fire can survive the ash of disaster, and what new paths might emerge when the original road disappears.
What Happens in Pulse?
The complete story of Pulse, from the first scene to the last, in 587 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 1 cast member page.
Spoilers ahead
Mattie, portrayed by Kristen Bell, decides to visit her old friend, Douglas Ziegler, played by Kel O’Neill, after he has gone off the grid for a week. Upon entering his apartment, she finds Douglas behaving strangely, and to her horror, he takes his own life in front of her. In the aftermath of this traumatic event, Mattie uncovers that Douglas was working on a groundbreaking wireless technology, which inadvertently unleashed a sinister force capable of draining the will to live from people, leading to an alarming surge in suicides that only intensifies as more individuals succumb to despair.
As Mattie navigates through Douglas’s digital world, she is confronted by a shocking sight: his computer screen is inundated with viruses and an eerie message pops up, asking, > “Do you want to see a ghost?” Curiosity leads her to a bizarre webpage that reflects not only their surroundings but also reveals horrifying cyber creatures, dubbed “ghosts,” which begin to prey on the living. This unusual phenomenon leaves the campus eerily quiet, with students disappearing or isolating themselves in silence. Among those she misses is her friend Isabelle Fuentes, played by Christina Milian, who falls victim to these terrifying entities during an encounter at a laundry facility.
In her quest to find answers, Mattie learns that Douglas’s second-hand computer had belonged to Dexter, portrayed by Ian Somerhalder. Initially reluctant to involve himself in her predicament, Dexter eventually acknowledges the gravity of the situation. Together, they hatch a desperate plan to deploy a virus developed by Josh, played by Jonathan Tucker, aiming to infiltrate the system and restore sanity before it’s too late. Their journey leads them to Josh, who has barricaded himself in his apartment, terrified yet frantic. He discloses that he and Douglas had collaborated on creating extensive network connections but were caught off guard by the malignant entities that emerged along the way. In a tense moment, Josh falls prey to these cyber creatures right before their eyes, highlighting the urgency of their mission.
Determined, Mattie and Dexter embrace their challenge and set off to deliver the crucial virus to a modem situated in the depths of Douglas’s building. The journey is fraught with peril as they are besieged by numerous disconcerting ghostly figures. In a harrowing moment, Mattie becomes ensnared by one of the creatures that feeds off her willpower, leaving her momentarily paralyzed as she is enveloped by a clamoring mass of spectral arms. Fortunately, Dexter intervenes, urging her not to gaze into the ghost’s face, helping her escape this malevolent grip. Once they locate the main server and upload the virus, the system unexpectedly reboots, raising the stakes even higher.
With chaos reigning, the duo hastily flees in a car, driving through an eerily deserted city. All modern communication systems have collapsed, save for an army transmission urging survivors to seek refuge beyond the urban sprawl. Exhausted and fearful, they find themselves sleeping in their vehicle, wrestling with the knowledge that a four-armed ghost may attack them at any moment. Ultimately, they manage to escape with their lives but are left to confront a grim new reality.
As the film concludes, Mattie reflects on the drastic transformation their lives have undergone, accepting that they may now have to adapt to a primitive existence, stripped of the technology they once took for granted. In a haunting voiceover, she muses about humanity’s regression into a simpler life while the ghostly entities claim dominion over the deserted cities and digital realms, both relentless in their struggle for survival.
Pulse Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Mattie's Visit” to “Realization of Survival”. 10 events name a place, across 8 locations.
- 1
Mattie's Visit
Mattie visits her friend Douglas Ziegler after he has been unresponsive for a week. Upon entering his apartment, she finds Douglas acting strangely and tragically witnesses him commit suicide right in front of her.
Where:Douglas' Apartment
- 2
Discovery of the Wireless Signal
After Douglas's death, Mattie discovers that he had been working on a powerful wireless signal. This signal unintentionally releases a dark force that begins affecting the will to live of those who encounter it, escalating into a suicide epidemic.
- 3
The Mysterious Webpage
While examining Douglas's computer, Mattie encounters a strange virus page that asks, 'Do you want to see a ghost?'. Once they access it, the reflection of their room appears on the screen, hinting at a deeper, mystical connection to the system.
Where:Douglas' Apartment
- 4
The First Encounter with Ghosts
Mattie experiences terror as she becomes aware of the cyber-entities known as 'ghosts'. These creatures begin to manifest, leading people to commit suicide or disintegrate into dust upon witnessing the webpage.
Where:University Campus
- 5
Isabelle's Attack
Mattie feels the effects of the epidemic as friends start disappearing from campus, especially her close friend Isabelle. The horror intensifies when Isabelle is attacked by ghostly figures emerging from a laundry machine.
Where:Laundry Room
- 6
Meeting Dexter
Mattie discovers that the computer Douglas used was previously owned by Dexter. Initially reluctant to help, Dexter soon realizes the gravity of the situation and agrees to join forces with Mattie.
- 7
Josh's Confinement
They find Josh, a friend of Douglas, who has barricaded himself in his apartment. He reveals that he and Douglas were working on expanding their internet network, but their project inadvertently contributed to the emergence of the cyber-creatures.
Where:Josh's Apartment
- 8
The Plan to Counterattack
Mattie, Dexter, and Josh devise a plan to use a virus created by Douglas and Josh to shut down the malevolent system. The urgency grows as more unknown viruses start to appear on their devices.
- 9
Josh's Fate
Despite Mattie and Dexter's attempts to convince him to escape, Josh's fear leads to his demise when ghostly creatures invade through his door after he briefly opens it. His death reinforces the urgency of their mission.
Where:Josh's Apartment
- 10
The Journey to the Basement
Determined, Mattie and Dexter set out to the basement of Douglas's building, where the main server is located. However, they are confronted by a swarm of malevolent cyber-creatures on their way.
Where:Douglas' Building
Show the other 5 events of Pulse Hide the last 5 events
- 11
The Encounter with the Cyber-Creature
While trying to reach their goal, Mattie is ensnared by a ghost that drains her will to fight. Dexter manages to pull her away, warning her not to look at the creature’s face, which could spell doom.
- 12
Uploading the Virus
Finally arriving at the main server, they successfully upload the virus intended to halt the ghost invasion. However, the system reacts by rebooting and opens the gates back to their world, complicating their escape.
Where:Basement
- 13
Fleeing the City
Mattie and Dexter flee the now desolate streets of their city, realizing that all modern communication has been compromised. They find solace only in a military radio broadcast urging survivors to seek refuge away from urban areas.
Where:City
- 14
A Primitive Future
As they sleep in their car, Mattie reflects on the grim reality they face ahead. The duo understands they must adapt to a life without technology, retreating to a rural existence away from the threats of the cyber-creatures.
Where:Countryside
- 15
Realization of Survival
In the end, Mattie narrates her understanding of humanity's retrogression to a primitive lifestyle. The struggle for survival continues as both humans and the ghost entities accept their stark new realities post-crisis.
Who Are the Main Characters in Pulse?
4 characters, among them Mattie, Douglas Ziegler and Dexter: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 1 of them link to the actor’s page.
- M
Mattie
Mattie is a determined and resilient character who experiences the horrors unleashed by the cyber forces firsthand. Compelled to confront the aftermath of her friend's tragic demise, she transitions from a state of disbelief to a proactive role in combatting the threat. Her journey ultimately leads her to a deeper understanding of human vulnerability and the costs of modern technology.
- 💪 Proactive
- 😱 Courageous
- 🌍 Survivor
- DZ
Douglas Ziegler
Douglas is a pivotal character whose innovations with technology inadvertently unleash a deadly force. His mental struggles culminate in a tragic suicide that sets off the main events of the story. Despite his demise, his actions reflect the darker side of technological experimentation and the unforeseen consequences it holds.
- 🔧 Innovator
- 💻 Tragic
- ☠️ Consequences
- D
Dexter
Played by Haruhiko Katô
Dexter is initially reluctant to engage with the problem at hand but eventually joins forces with Mattie to confront the cyber threats. His character embodies skepticism that transforms into a commitment to survival as he faces the terrifying reality alongside Mattie. Dexter highlights the themes of camaraderie and resilience against overwhelming odds.
- 🛡️ Reluctant Hero
- 🤝 Ally
- 🌪️ Resilient
- J
Josh
Josh is a reclusive character who initially secludes himself in fear of the digital nightmares outside. His technological expertise proves crucial as he reveals the backstory of the horrific events. Despite his frantic state, he carries the burden of knowledge that unravels the mystery behind Douglas's creation, emphasizing the cost of ignorance and fear in crisis moments.
- 🧙♂️ Genius
- 😨 Frantic
- 🔒 Secluded
Where and When Is Pulse Set?
Pulse is set in City and Countryside. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The film reflects a contemporary setting, indicative of the modern age where technology is deeply integrated into everyday life. It explores the consequences of technological advancement, particularly the vulnerabilities it introduces, as the plot unfolds in a seemingly current timeline with relatable societal issues.
Where
City, Countryside
The movie predominantly takes place in a modern city where technology and high-speed internet thrive. After a catastrophic event caused by a mysterious cyber force, the characters find themselves fleeing to the countryside, a stark contrast to their previous high-tech environment. The countryside symbolizes a return to simplicity and survival away from the technological grip that once dominated their lives.
- 🏙️ Urban
- 🌳 Rural
What Are the Themes of Pulse?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Technology's Shadow, Isolation and Survival.
-
01
Technology's Shadow
The movie delves into the dark side of technology, showcasing how dependence on the internet can lead to devastating consequences. It highlights the emergence of a cyber threat that preys on the will to live, turning a tool meant for connection into a source of despair. This theme serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of our digital age.
-
02
Isolation
Isolation becomes a central theme as the characters grapple with the effects of a widespread cyber epidemic. The silent campus and the retreat of individuals into solitude reflect the social disconnection that technology can foster. As they confront the horror of the ghost-like entities, they're forced to reckon with their own isolation both physically and emotionally.
-
03
Survival
As the narrative progresses, survival takes precedence as Mattie and Dexter are thrust into a fight for their lives against the invading cyber-creatures. Their journey leads them to realize the need to abandon modern comforts and adapt to a new, primitive lifestyle, emphasizing the instinctual will to survive amidst chaos and despair.
What Kind of Film Is Pulse?
Dark in tone, with fast pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bleak
An intensely paranoid and oppressive techno-horror film that builds a relentless sense of dread as characters are hunted by spectral entities that feed on human will, culminating in a bleak, post-apocalyptic survival scenario.
- paranoid
- desolate
- anxious
- oppressive
- fearful
- melancholic
- technological horror
- suicide epidemic
- ghosts in the machine
- apocalypse
Content notes: suicide, mass suicide, existential horror.
Quiz
How well do you remember Pulse? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch Pulse
Stream it on Amazon MX Player and Amazon Prime Video, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
Stream 19
-
Amazon MX Player With ads
-
Amazon Prime Video
-
Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads With ads
-
Amazon Prime Video with Ads
-
Fandango at Home Free With ads
-
Fawesome Free
-
Hoopla Free
-
Howdy Amazon Channel
-
Kanopy Free
-
Lionsgate+ Amazon Channel
-
Peacock Premium
-
Peacock Premium Plus
-
Plex With ads
-
Plex Channel With ads
-
The CW With ads
-
The Roku Channel With ads
-
Tubi TV With ads
-
Xumo Play With ads
-
YouTube Free With ads
Streaming availability in the US, powered by 
