The Signal | 2007
The Signal is a 2007 American horror film crafted by independent filmmakers David Bruckner, Dan Bush, and Jacob Gentry. The narrative unfolds in three distinct parts, each revealing the chaos unleashed by a mysterious signal that drives individuals to madness and violence. The film's nonlinear storytelling intertwines elements of splatter film, black comedy, and a post-apocalyptic love story, resulting in a unique cinematic experience that garnered a mixed yet largely positive critical reception.
Plot Summary
The story centers around Mya, who finds herself entangled in a web of infidelity with Ben, while her husband, Lewis, remains oblivious. As Mya grapples with her feelings, she is drawn into a surreal and terrifying reality when a bizarre signal disrupts all forms of communication, amplifying the darker aspects of human nature.
Transmission 1: Crazy in Love
In the first segment, Mya returns home to find her husband Lewis and his friends, Jerry and Rod, in a heated argument that escalates violently. Lewis's descent into madness culminates in him killing Jerry, prompting Mya to flee. As chaos erupts in their apartment building, Mya seeks refuge, only to discover Lewis bound and unconscious upon her return. The signal's effects manifest differently in each character, leading to a harrowing escape attempt with Rod, who becomes increasingly unstable.
Transmission 2: The Jealousy Monster
The second chapter shifts focus to Ben, who finds Lewis incapacitated and takes matters into his own hands. Meanwhile, Anna, a woman who has killed her husband in self-defense, continues to prepare for a party, oblivious to the horror surrounding her. As the characters confront their own violent tendencies, Lewis's paranoia leads to a series of brutal confrontations, culminating in a tragic climax that leaves Anna and her loved ones in peril.
Transmission 3: Escape from Terminus
In the final transmission, Lewis awakens to pursue Ben and Clark, who have begun to unravel the truth behind the signal. Their journey through a devastated city leads them to a train station where Mya is held captive by Lewis. The confrontation escalates, revealing the depths of Lewis's madness and the lengths to which Ben will go to save Mya. The film concludes on an ambiguous note, leaving viewers questioning the fate of the characters as Mya's condition remains uncertain.
The Signal was brought to life by a collaborative effort of four filmmakers who have been working together since 1999 in Atlanta, Georgia. Each chapter of the film was directed by a different filmmaker, contributing to its unique narrative style. The project was completed in time for the 2007 Sundance Film Festival, produced on a modest budget of just $50,000, and filmed over a span of 13 days.
The film premiered on January 22, 2007, at the Sundance Film Festival, where it caught the attention of Magnolia Pictures, who acquired it for distribution. Following its festival debut, The Signal was released on DVD and Blu-ray on June 10, 2008.
After a prolonged delay attributed to the search for a replacement song for an unlicensed cover of Lou Reed's "Perfect Day" by Jon Thomas Hall, the film finally saw a theatrical release on February 22, 2008. The soundtrack was ultimately updated to feature a cover of Joy Division's "Atmosphere" by Ola Podrida.
To promote the film, a new short podcast was launched bi-weekly through the horror film news site Bloody Disgusting. However, the film's release was marred by an unfortunate incident on February 23, 2008, when two men were stabbed by a stranger during a screening in a Fullerton, California movie theater. Fortunately, one victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries, while the other suffered a punctured lung.
The home media release of The Signal includes a wealth of bonus content, such as an audio commentary from the directors, deleted scenes, and a making-of featurette. Additionally, it features the complete short film The Hap Hapgood Story, which was shown in the introduction sequence of The Signal. Three new short "transmissions" were also included, each featuring entirely different characters and settings: "Transmission 14: Technical Difficulties," "Transmission 23: The Return," and "Transmission 37: Crosstown Traffic," all directed by Jacob Gentry. Gentry also shared his bonus featurette on Vimeo, further enriching the film's legacy.
