Carol (Jane Alexander) and Tom Wetherly (William Devane) have three kids Brad, Mary Liz and Scottie (Lukas Haas) living in the quiet suburb of Hamlin near San Francisco. Some of their neighbors are the elderly Abharts with a shortwave radio, Mike (Mako) and his mentally challenged son Hiroshi at the gas station, Cathy (Rebecca De Mornay) and Phil Pitkin (Kevin Costner) with their baby, and preacher Hollis. Then nuclear war breaks out of the blue in the middle of the day. Tom is missing while driving home. They are joined by neighbor kid Larry whose parents are also missing.
Director Lynne Littman can't raise this any higher than a well made TV movie level. Jane Alexander keeps this ship upright. She's a soccer mom in a crumbling society. The tension isn't raised very high. There seems to be avenues that isn't explored. Instead of explosions and violence, this movie shows normal life being hollowed out as the world slowly fades away. It's not the most exciting way to go but it is somewhat compelling to see.
Director Lynne Littman can't raise this any higher than a well made TV movie level. Jane Alexander keeps this ship upright. She's a soccer mom in a crumbling society. The tension isn't raised very high. There seems to be avenues that isn't explored. Instead of explosions and violence, this movie shows normal life being hollowed out as the world slowly fades away. It's not the most exciting way to go but it is somewhat compelling to see.