The Signal (2014) User Reviews

An impressive film school exercise but not quite a movie

[robert-blau · 6/10 · 16 June 2014]

"Visually arresting, methodically paced, and almost perfectly executed" says another review here. I agree and would add well-acted, produced, and directed. But it still doesn't quite make it as a movie, something with a real story that is effectively delivered and is more than the sum of its strung-together parts. Each scene is fine, but they just seem like a string of episodes rather than a coherent story. One has trouble getting the point and is left somewhat confused and unsatisfied, with the final twist more baffling than impactive. I would say that the words "inchoate" and even "incoherent" can't help but come to mind regarding the film.

Before you write me off as someone who only likes nice linear films where EVERYTHING is made perfectly clear and who can't handle anything unusual, abstract, metaphoric, or different in any way, compare "Signal" to "Dark City", the recent "Under the Skin", and even "THX 1138" (which BTW arguably has a lot of similarities to this one).

Meanwhile, for examples of films that have similar problems as "Signal", see "Citadel" (2012), "Critical Nexus" (2013), and even "Shuttle" (2008) or "Blair Witch Project". I would argue, tho', that most of these, whatever their flaws, are probably more effective at delivering a real story than "Signal". MEANWHILE, to see what a low-budget independent sci-fi movie CAN be, see "Moon" (2009).

Finally, I was just reading a review of "Signal" in which the reviewer mentions another director who started out with a middling low-budget sci-fi film and has gone on to bigger and better accomplishments; he sees similar potential in the director of "Signal". I fully agree. Again, I think "Signal" was impressive and well worth seeing, but doesn't quite make it to the level of a real and effective movie.

For a $4 million budgeted movie it sure does looks amazing!

[Hellmant · 7/10 · 26 September 2014]

'THE SIGNAL': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

Indie sci-fi thriller about three MIT students, on a road trip, who decide to chase down an infamous hacker (that almost got them expelled from school) and find something much more nightmarish. The film was directed by William Eubank; who also wrote and directed another ambitious indie sci-fi flick, in 2011, called 'LOVE' (which was produced by the popular alternative rock band 'Angels & Airwaves'). Eubank also wrote this film; with David Frigerio and Carlyle Eubank. It stars Brenton Thwaites, Laurence Fishburne, Olivia Cooke, Beau Knapp and Lin Shaye. I found it to be visually spectacular, and interesting enough, to make it a pretty entertaining thrill ride; despite a somewhat unsatisfying conclusion.

The film tells the story of Nic (Thwaites), Haley (Cooke) and Jonah (Knapp); three MIT students on a road trip to California. Nic and Jonah are dropping Haley off there and this has caused some troubles in Nic and Haley's relationship. Nic has muscular dystrophy issues, in his legs, that he also feels are causing Haley to not reach her full potential. While on the trip Nic and Jonah discover a hacker is in the area, named NOMAD, that almost got them expelled from school (for breaking into college servers). They decide to track him down and follow his signal to an old abandoned house in Nevada. Once there something else finds them and it might be some kind of weird government conspiracy, or something much worse.

The movie is full of big ideas, that aren't fully explained at all; most of the movie is left up to viewer interpretation. I respect films like that but this one just isn't quite satisfying enough. It's full of a lot of routine stylistic clichés but they are pretty cool to look at. For a $4 million budgeted movie it sure does looks amazing; I'm sure William Eubank has a big future ahead of him. The acting is decent enough and the story is intriguing. It's nowhere near the quality of a great sci-fi flick but it is a lot of fun; if you're a fan of the genre.

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Better than the reviews you read on this site

[craiginhouston · 7/10 · 10 October 2014]

The 'movie-snob' reviews almost kept me from watching this movie -- I'm glad I didn't listen to them. This was one of the most suspenseful movies I have seen in a long time. At one point I paused the movie to check outside because I thought I heard something -- the movie had me spooked and it takes a lot to get that kind of reaction out of me. There was an eerie feel that stayed with me through the entire movie and it had me guessing the entire time.

The movie could have been better -- there is an attempt to show some spiritual triumph for the main character and a love story that doesn't work, but the suspense and sci-fi elements alone make the movie a solid B and worth seeing.

Just enjoy it for what it is

[smoke0 · 1 August 2018]

The negative reviews are all so ridiculously nit-picky it's almost as if they were paid just to slam this film. It's a ride, not a thesis, just let it take you along all the twists and turns, don't bother trying to figure it out, and you'll have a good time. Isn't that entertainment?

good, but some loose ends ...

[ksf-2 · 7/10 · 5 November 2022]

Three friends are out road-tripping in the desert. Nic and haley are dating, but there are speed bumps in their relationship; nic has some condition, which is more of an issue for himself than anyone else. When they stop to investigate a signal they have located in an abandoned shack, they wake up in a medical facility. Now they are being questioned by doctor damon (fishburne). But when nic asks to visit haley, they refuse. And her progress notes are mysteriously blank. It's a bit of a mind ****. I mean mind game, for the viewer, as well as nic. Is this all happening? Or is he still dreaming, in a coma, somewhere? His legs are gone, and he now has artificial limbs. He can no longer trust what he sees and feels, nor what damon tells him. Weirdness. Super-human powers. Escape. And finally... a partial explanation, at the end. Directed by bill eubank. Story by carlyle and bill eubank, and david figerio. It's not bad. Keeps us interested, but a less than satisfying ending.

Great but not for everyone

[jrwygant · 8/10 · 13 September 2015]

"The Signal" is more horror film than sci-fi. It's about three people trapped in a threatening environment they do not understand. It is also about reality, and how our concept of it can easily be shaken by unexpected circumstances that are inconsistent with our past experiences and perceptions. In the early portion of the film there is a brief reference to Philip Dick, the master of reality tales, and to his book "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep," which became the basis for the film "Blade Runner." Later references capture some of the mystique of "The Matrix" and also an often overlooked film from 1997, "The Cube."

Comments posted here about "The Signal" seem to be sharply divided: viewers seem to either hate it or love it. The displeasure is easy to understand. Those who expected a sci-fi story with a lot of techno-gadgets and special effects are likely to be disappointed. The same applies to those who are uncomfortable with the concept of victimization, a common basis for horror films and a key element in "The Signal." But those who like to read Philip Dick or who enjoyed "The Cube" will find much to admire in this film, a low budget effort with a smart script.

Interesting, slow-paced sci-fi that could have used a lot more depth

[vithiet · 6/10 · 31 December 2018]

Slow paced sci-fi. Interesting but if feels like it's only scratching the surface of a few good ideas they could have totally explored a bit more in depth.

apart from the ending, an interesting failure at best

[inkwarp · 6/10 · 24 July 2014]

Here is another low budget movie that seems ultimately to have been made to ornament one or two fairly lavish setpieces. see for example skinwalker ranch and the banshee chapter which without one or two meretricious moments would not amount to much at all. and of course it is always hard to criticise low budget pictures which are also genre pictures. so in fairness we have a very skillfully shot film, nicely edited ( owing i felt a large debt to 'Primer' stylistically). and there is laurence fishburne who is good but he is only now and forever more morphius in the matrix for all eternity, more or less. unfortunately, the script is a mere cypher, merely to take you from the promising beginning, through the lacklustre and plot less main hour or so until you arrive at the climax where the largest part of the budget is spent. goodnight and thankyou. but think about this for one moment after and you will find a film which collapses under scrutiny. which is not the worst thing, after all some of the most entertaining movies i have see are ridiculous when analysed.. but apart from the million dollar effects shot this is a film that struggles to tell any kind of cogent narrative at all. it is similar in tone to chronicle, a superior film in it's depiction of humans becoming 'more than human'.. and it has very strong echoes to donnie darko. so kudos for the effort. next time try and develop character and plot a little more and you will come up with something quite good i am sure. as it is a sunny day i gives it 6 : )

listen for it

[lee_eisenberg · 6/10 · 4 November 2014]

"The Signal" starts out a bit vague, but then the plot sets in. They manage to set everything up so that you can't be certain whether it's real or imagined. I read that the movie is partly based on Plato's Allegory of the Cave, in which people see a limited reality (also the basis of "The Matrix").

Laurence Fishburne's enigmatic professor is the best character in the movie, and Lin Shaye's* aging character. "The Signal" isn't any kind of great movie, but I thought that it was OK. Mystifying, more than anything. A similar movie is "The Quiet Earth" from New Zealand.

*She also played the sunburned neighbor in "There's Something About Mary" and the retiring flight attendant in "Snakes on a Plane".

Unoriginal

[cristi684 · 6/10 · 29 October 2014]

I thought it would have something to say about this film, but after watching it's impossible not to say a few. First, it's just a thriller with more mystery. Only one scene was SF, otherwise nothing.

Secondly, I expected to have some action somewhere, but cameras have revealed too much slow & motion effect, which seems unoriginal.

And thirdly and finally, all related to lack of originality, the film is a lot of scenes copied from a series like "Roswell" and movies like "Dark City" and "Cube". Too bad they were inspired too much. Too bad I have to give him note 6, but that's it.

Instead, the actors play well. The script is good, sometimes.

Not

[ropelawshiel · 3/10 · 12 June 2020]

Another Syfy is trying to be clever, predictable, full of plot holes, just dull, and the 90 minutes seemed like forever. So many good films to watch on my watchlist. Why do I fall for these time-wasters?

Not as deep as director wanted to make it!

[leonidasoriginal · 7/10 · 7 November 2020]

This is one of those movies you like, but they leave you with some negative opinion because you ask yourself "what's the point of this movie or is there any at all".

Signal has no specific point to make. It leaves you with simple conclusion, that is SO SIMPLE you are not accepting and therefore you look for some deeper meaning to actually meaningless movie.

SO, watch this for some interesting atmosphere, but don't try to find "Morpheus" depth in it, because there is none.

Visually interesting, but pointless or in best case simple story. To make it short... bla bla bla, we are not living on the Earth.

GRRRR! I hate good movies with way to simplified endings.

I do have to say this is one of those movies that can develop into franchise if they try to. And it is one of those rare movies sequel can be rated much higher if they do it right!

It's just good

[gregmonston · 7/10 · 9 November 2015]

I am consistently on the hunt for solid Sci-fi movies.

The good ones leave you interested all the way through and generate enough a mysterious buzz to keep you entertained (some sort of alien or hint of aliens doesn't hurt). The great ones leave you saying what the bleep as soon as the credit start rolling. The Signal didn't generate a cuss word at the end but here I am 24 hours later googling conversation threads about the film because i'm still thinking about it and I have questions that the movie just didn't answer. Great sci-fi explains just enough to create the possibility that you and whoever you watched the movie with could have completely different explanations for why something happened. I need to leave the movie wondering well if that happened then why this? Why was that there? etc..

As my title suggests - this is just a good sci-fi movie. I think the cinematography was good, acting was great but I didn't really have a reaction to a soundtrack which can usually add great depths to the sci-fi genre. There is everything you want in a solid sci-fi here; mystery, thrills, confusion and almost most importantly emotion. On a VERY small scale, this is the first movie to make me really feel like I did watching amazing parts of Interstellar. It's no where near that good - but here I am 24 hours later still thinking about it, wondering.

Heady Indie with a Heavy Load

[LeonLouisRicci · 7/10 · 20 October 2014]

It's a Heady Thing, this Ambitious Indie, a Remarkable Movie that is Intriguing Enough for the Thinkers in the Audience, Suspenseful and Creepy at Times. It's Also a Heavy Load to Bare with a Plateful of Plot that Keeps You Guessing.

There are Some Very Effective Reveals with Horror Elements Mixed in with the Sci-Fi Technicals. A Trio of Hackers are On the Trail of a Gadfly that has Got Their Goat and Their Out to Seek some Cyber Payback. Not Always Advisable in the Stealthy World of Cyberspace, but that's what these Guys Do. It is Their Purpose in Life it Seems.

The Movie Shifts Tones Here and There but Never Waivers from the Central Theme of a Bad Dream, or is it? You're in the Twilight Zone Here by Way of Derivative Culling from Some Other Good Films. It has that Paranoid Feel and is Filled with Anxiety, a Trap or a Maze that You Cannot Escape.

But Our Heroes Try Using Their Wits and Courage to Find Out...Just what the Heck is Going On? Things can be a bit Confusing and Ambiguous at Times and the Ending is Pretty Much a Thing that has been a Sci-Fi Staple for Years. But the Trip Getting there is Well Worth a Watch. The Acting, Visuals, Soundtrack, and Direction are Above Average and Coalesce into a Very Good Film that May be a Disappointment to Some, but the Artistry Cannot be Denied.

Finally, originality! Wonderful sci-fi thriller

[siderite · 9/10 · 3 August 2014]

The movie is a little slow at times, while the plot is not completely explained or even logical sometimes, but other than that, the film is perfect.

What I enjoyed most about the movie is that it is truly original in the way of Monsters or District 9 were. It starts as a hacker movie, continues as an alien encounter movie, goes into government conspiracies, only to turn everything on its head towards the end. While it is clearly a science fiction thriller, it feels more game like than a movie, because you feel immersed in it. The originality and this sensation of being in the story is something I have been missing for years. great job!

I am not going to tell you stuff about the story, because it would either spoil it or give you the wrong impression. You need to watch this film. It is worth it.

Good but predictable

[manossef-64-970356 · 6/10 · 14 December 2014]

The cinematography, imaging, soundtrack and direction generally was very good. The scenario was also very interesting although it reminded me a lot of other scifi movies. I would give the movie a higher rating but there is an essential thing: I knew what was happening from the very beginning.

The director unfortunately gave way too many clues in the first half of the movie resulting in an easy prediction of what is going on. By knowing what is going on, I lost interest in the movie. If the director could hide more and give more to think about, the movie could be really amazing.

A movie worth to see. However if you have seen a lot of scifi movies then you will probably know the whole plot and its "twists" by watching the first 30mins of it.

A Sci-Fi Thriller Unlike the Norm

[rannynm · 16 June 2014]

Best friends Nic and Jonah embark on a road trip with their close friend Haley to help her move to California. Along the way, Nic and Jonah continue corresponding with a computer genius known to them as Nomad. Nomad previously hacked into their college's computer system and, being computer programmers themselves, they aim to one-up this mysterious hacker. They trace the IP address from the emails they've been receiving and intend to confront who ever is "messing" with them. But when they are lead to a small abandoned home in a desolate area, things take an unexpected turn. When Nic awakes from unconsciousness he finds himself in a government testing facility and what he learns is more shocking than anything he could have ever imagined.

This is one of the weirdest films I have ever seen but, I love it. The cinematography is absolutely incredible. Most of the film is centered more around the visuals than the dialog. This film shows a lot of flashbacks and memories throughout that are shown mostly in slow motion and the film work is very artistic and thoughtful. The soundtrack is incredible. Since there is little to no dialog, at times the music often carries the emotion and intent of the film. The music contains quite a bit of ambient noise and definitely has a spooky sci-fi feel to it. Not only is the music a vital part to the film, but there are almost always strange, off-setting, whirring sounds that play in the background. It gives the feel that something is about to happen which is a nice way to add some edge and unease.

The reason I say this is one of the weirdest movies I have ever seen is because I can honestly say there were very few moments when I completely knew what was going on in the film. This movie does not explain what is happening throughout the whole thing, it gives no real background info on the characters, what happened to them, where they really are, nothing. Throughout the movie I kept thinking that there would be a big reveal and everyone would say "Oh, I get it now!." But, that came in a very surprising way. There is a big reveal at the very last minute of the film but honestly, it left my friend and I with more questions than before. Although I spent the 95 minutes of this film terribly confused, it isn't a bad thing at all. In fact, it's brilliant. Director William Eubank only gives the audience as much information as the character Nic has in this film. And, after suffering major head trauma and being told very little, Nic has barely any information to work off of or any idea what is going on. So in a sense, the audience is being forced to feel what Nic is feeling complete with his frustration and confusion. It's a very immersive movie experience and, like I said, it's brilliant.

Unfortunately I can't share my favorite scene, or any scene really without taking away from actually watching the film. But I can talk about the incredible cast and characters. There are very few speaking roles in the film, only six actually. But these six characters are fantastic. Of course there is the main trio, Nic, played by Brenton Thwaites, Haley, played by Olivia Cooke and Jonah, played by Beau Knapp.

Nic is an interesting character and also the main one. I'm assuming he suffers from MS or some degenerative disease because in the beginning of the film he is walking around with forearm crutches and mentions that he'll need a wheelchair but, in flashbacks you see him running and walking around freely. However this is never explained. He is such a great character because as I mentioned before, he is confused about what is going on throughout 95% of the film. Brenton does a phenomenal job portraying this sense of panic and frustration at being so lost. His actions and reactions seem so authentic to his character and he has a wonderful way that invites the audience to join him in his ups and downs. Jonah is also a really great character. He is very quirky but also crazy intelligent and, although he is not in a large portion of the film, he is able to shed some light on what is potentially happening to them. I love Haley because Olivia Cooke plays my favorite character on "Bates Motel" so it is really cool to see her playing a more mature role. Haley is what drives Nic to do pretty much everything he does in the film because the two of them are in a relationship. It is very nice to have such sentimental and caring interactions throughout this film since everything else is quite intense. I can't discuss the rest of the characters without, again, taking away from your movie watching experience.

I wholeheartedly recommend this film for ages 13 to 18 because of the difficulties around following the plot, some very intense and violent situations and also, there is a lack of dialog. You're just viewing images from the past and present which may be confusing and not very entertaining for a younger audience. At first, I was very hesitant about this film because it starts off a bit slow and is, as you know, confusing as heck, but after watching it all the way through I give The Signal 5 out of 5 stars and am eager to see it again. If you're into sci-fi film, aliens or just want a mind-bending experience, then check out The Signal in theaters now.

Reviewed by Raven D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic. For more reviews go to kidsfirt dot org.

Nothing new but expect great cinematography

[Uberkills · 6/10 · 29 November 2014]

There's not much to say about the plot without spoiling it because this is after all, one of those movies where there is a plot twist to discover at the end. The Signal is about 3 college students that pursue a menacing hacker. When they attempt to encounter the hacker named NOMAD, they somehow end up in a government facility ran by creepy agents in hazmat suits. That's really all you should know before watching it.

Now is The Signal any good? Yes and No. There's nothing really new about the movie. The plot works as a standard or sub-par Twilight Zone episode. That's really the only downside. The good part of The Signal is that it has such beautiful and amazing cinematography. The quality is so clean and there's a few good slow-motion shots here and there. Other than that, there's decent acting performances by Brenton Thwaites, Olivia Cooke and Matt Damon.

It's an independent science fiction film, but like several blockbuster sci-fi, it's not bringing anything new to the table.

Starts out strong - and then runs off the rails

[ejonconrad · 5/10 · 23 December 2015]

I actually enjoyed this movie for more than half of it. It had a great atmosphere and pretty good characters. It was kind of a throwback to 70s-style Sci-fi, before everything had to have a lot of action in it. Lawrence Fishburne may not have a lot of range, but what he does, he does well.

Apparently, the makers didn't think today's viewers would settle for that sort of thing, so about three quarters of the way through, it takes an abrupt turn to Stupid Town, and the try to jam every cliché trope we've come to expect from more modern sci fi: implausible escapes, contrived chase scenes, ridiculous shoot-em-ups, and Matrix-style special effects. At that point, logic and continuity are just thrown out the window. Then, when they decided the movie was long enough, they slapped on an ending that may literally have been drawn from a hat of possible options.

It's too bad, because if they'd stuck it out the way it was going, it could have been good.

Great movie, most people are over analysing it

[foxtografo · 9/10 · 22 September 2014]

This movie has a slow pace, I know. That doesn't mean it's a bad one. A lot of people are over analysing every scene and image they see in the movie, instead of enjoying a simple story with a lot of photography design. Don't expect a lot of action on it, but do expect amazing photography, immersing atmospheric story, good acting and a few good surprises. One advice I would give is NOT watching the WHOLE TRAILER form the movie. After 1:30 minutes it shows too much and could spoil a lot of surprises. Just trust that the first part is to make contrast with what is coming next. I loved the photography, was the best from the movie by far. The story is good, and it develops interestingly. The acting is good and everyone plays well the parts. Great job, Mr. Eubank!

I definitely recommend to watch this, for all the sci-fi lovers, and especially the ones that appreciate non blockbuster, plastic, cliché movies, and enjoy different ways of doing cinema.

Worth seeing but doesn't deliver in the end

[rozynski-lukasz · 7/10 · 15 November 2014]

Have you ever ate a piece of pie that looked great, even tasted great but had this funny aftertaste that stuck with you for so long you didn't want another bite? Well this movie is a bit like that.

This being said if you limit your expectations to just enjoying the ride the movie will deliver until the very last scene. Which will disappoint.

Personnaly I loved this film and would see it again. If it wasn't for the aftertaste

So make your pick and live with the consequences - i hope you find what you are looking for ;)

Very suspenseful

[Gordon-11 · 17 June 2016]

This film tells the story of three young people, who are determined to find out who is the hacker who hacked into their computers. When they find out the hacker's physical address, they go and confront him, with disastrous consequences.

"The Signal" is great in creating and maintaining mystery. The suspense is heightened by the fact that nothing is revealed until late in the film. Though it is slow, it makes me wonder what goes on in that strange environment. It keeps me guessing what happens next, and also keeps me from guessing correctly! It is a suspenseful science fiction from. I enjoyed it.

Sci Fi does almost perfect

[nicktatta · 7/10 · 25 July 2018]

I enjoyed the film but it didn't completely pull me in. It's got the imagination of an A+ film but execution was a C+. I'm not sure exactly what's missing but I'd take this over many many other movies and it's well worth a watch.

hmm.

[flowirin · 6/10 · 23 December 2014]

"hmmm."

A similar feel of ending to "2001", in that i'm left thinking, "what just happened?", except with 2001 i really was clueless, and spent years thinking about it, on and off. With Signal, i'd got a good idea of the punchline (for it is a one-joke film, to be fair) shortly into the second act. So when the final scene conjurer's act concludes with its flourish... well. It was a wee bit of a let down. And the lead up wasn't as great either.

I hadn't noticed, but the other reviews neatly pointed out that the actors really didn't do much, there was no building, no bonding. I really didn't care much for any of them. Damon's final scene seemed like an unfunny mocking joke.

Were there a few references to the fourth wall? who cares? A few motifs sprinkled about? The oblique references throughout? The threads left dangling? meh.

It was not too horrible a movie, all in, but the let down, sorry, the end, was not sufficient to make up for the middle. It was enjoyable until then. Perhaps i'm just jaded.

nice look, sci-fi premise but story problems

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 5 January 2016]

Three MIT students are driving cross country to California. Nic (Brenton Thwaites) with his disability seems to be pushing his girlfriend Haley (Olivia Cooke) away. A hacker has been harassing Nic and Jonah (Beau Knapp). They track him to a desert house. Something happens and Nic wakes up in a facility treated by Damon (Laurence Fishburne) in an isolation suit. Haley is unconscious and Jonah is missing. Then he discovers his defective legs have been replaced by some sort of advanced prostheses.

Director William Eubank brings a nice look to a sci-fi premise with some promise. However the writing isn't up to scratch. The story has a couple of problems. Thwaites is not necessarily a big time star in waiting. They need to work on the couple's relationship. Parts of this movie feels overextended. It doesn't quite work.