The other day I watched a movie that social media touted as a “must see.”

It’s from 1984 and it is entitled, “Threads” and was a made-for-tv broadcast.

Have you seen it?

Threads is a British-Australian film that features a dramatic account of nuclear war and its after effects. I have to admit, the first part of the movie is slow and even boring at times as the story focuses on a couple of British families as they make everyday plans while a war breaks out between Russia and the United States.

The movie plays out almost like a documentary or a movie based on real events and it is crude and dark — just what the filmmakers were shooting for. The idea was to make as realistic as possible a movie that acts as a warning to people of the world should a nuclear war erupt.

The movie methodically “spies” on people who try to be brave and forthright, yet can feel and see the horrors of war approach their doorstep. Some characters go about their daily lives, figuring the horrors would stay at a safe distance while others start planning for what “could” happen should a nuclear war burst forth.

When the unthinkable actually happens as sirens warn the citizens of imminent danger, people begin diving under cars and boarding up spaces to protect themselves. When the skies light up with a fiery mushroom ball of a nuclear warhead, many see the doom already upon themselves and do little to preserve their existence.

The rest of the movie is gravely dark and depressing as the filmmakers do a tremendous job of depicting the nuclear winter fallout that follows. Many have said since the movie’s release that, “It is a film which comes closest to representing the full horror of nuclear war and its aftermath, as well as the catastrophic impact that the event would have on human culture.”

The reality of this film really hit hard on me. It’s hard to imagine something so ruinous could procure in our day and age and yet, that’s exactly what the filmmakers plotted to display — an event that sneaks up and bites everyone in the butt despite the warning signs all around us.

It sort of reminds me of what 2024 is shaping up to be. Now I’m not saying I’m overly concerned about a nuclear war with Russia or China or North Korea — though that actually COULD happen if we aren’t careful. I’m concerned about the future of our country and the lack of leadership we have at the highest level all the way down. Our borders are porous and our economy is teetering in the balance as citizens do their best to afford rent, gasoline, food and other basic necessities of life.

Threads mirrors what is looming if we just go about our daily lives and ignore the prospect of our lives changing for the worse in the coming year. A bomb is entering its launch stage and people need to be prepared. This upcoming election — and not just the presidential election but at all levels including our state — is crucial for the future of our existence as a nation and a society.

Things sound dire because things are dire...and the movie, Threads, may be the most important eye-opener people need to see leading up to November. 

Threads is a mild title for this movie. Doomsday would have been more appropriate.