Is Impulse Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Impulse is likely a skip if you enjoy Horror movies.
It features a runtime of 91 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Impulse Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1984, Impulse emerges as a significant entry in the Horror, Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of After a small earthquake in a small and quiet town, local citizens start to have a bizarre, violent and self-destructive behavior. Unlike standard genre fare, Impulse attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Impulse features a noteworthy lineup led by Tim Matheson . Supported by the likes of Meg Tilly and Hume Cronyn , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Impulse (1984) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Impulse Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Impulse is a Horror, Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller film that crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Impulse Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Impulse attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Impulse reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Impulse?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Horror films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Impulse Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $10.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $2.8M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Impulse Budget
The estimated production budget for Impulse is $10.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Impulse
- Tim Matheson – Stuart
- Meg Tilly – Jennifer
- Hume Cronyn – Dr. Carr
- John Karlen – Bob Russell
- Bill Paxton – Eddie
Top Highlights
Tim MathesonStuart
Meg TillyJennifer
Hume CronynDr. Carr
John KarlenBob Russell
Bill PaxtonEddie
Amy StrykerMargo
Claude Earl JonesSheriff
Robert WightmanHoward
Lorinne VozoffMrs. Russell
Peter JasonMan in Truck
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Impulse is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.1/10, and global collection metrics, Impulse stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1984 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Impulse movie hit or flop?
Impulse has received mixed reviews with a 5.1/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Impulse worth watching?
Impulse is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Horror, Mystery, Science Fiction movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Impulse online?
Impulse may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
