Cliff Notes – The ‘most disturbing film ever made’ is being adapted into a TV series
- The 1984 film Threads, known for its harrowing depiction of a nuclear apocalypse, is being adapted into a drama series by Sheffield-based Warp Films, renowned for their impactful narratives.
- Warp Films aims to explore the modern relevance of Threads, highlighting themes of resilience and connection amidst catastrophic events, as articulated by CEO Mark Hervert and CCO Emily Feller.
The ‘most disturbing film ever made’ is being adapted into a TV series
A horrifying TV film released in the 80s is being adapted into a drama series (Picture: BBC)
A chilling film dubbed ‘the most disturbing of all time’ is being adapted into a TV series by the producers of Adolescence.
Threads, released in 1984, is set in Sheffield and begins with young couple Ruth (Karen Meagher) and Jimmy (Reece Dinsdale) deciding to get married after Ruth discovers she is pregnant.
However, their quiet lives are thrown into disarray with the Soviet Union and the US going to war, and a nuclear attack destroys their town.
Threads offers a horrifying look at a post-apocalyptic landscape in the UK, and it’s set to come to TV once more with Sheffield-based production company, Warp Films, adapting the film into a drama series.
Warp is also known for TV series such as This Is England, The Virtues, The Last Panthers, and most recently, record-breaking Netflix hit Adolescence starring Stephen Graham.
Speaking about the adaptation, Warp CEO Mark Hervert described Threads as an ‘unflinchingly honest drama’ that ‘imagines the devastating effects of nuclear conflict on ordinary people.’
The BBC TV film recounts the aftermath of a nuclear apocalypse through two families living in Sheffield (Picture: BBC)
‘This story aligns perfectly with our ethos of telling powerful, grounded narratives that deeply connect with audiences,’ he continued in a statement.
‘Reimagining this classic film as a TV drama gives us a unique opportunity to explore its modern relevance.’
Warp CCO and executive producer Emily Feller said Threads is a ‘deeply impactful story’ and ‘feels more relevant than ever.’
‘This adaptation will allow us to uncover fresh interpretations in light of today’s world,’ they continued.
‘We imagine highlighting how resilience and connection can offer hope even in the most challenging of times.
‘Through this lens, an adaptation of the incredible film can reexamine its significance for then and for now – allowing us to engage with a modern audience.’
Threads, written by Barry Hines, was cited by Toni A. Perrine in their book Film and the Nuclear Age as the film that ‘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.’
It was nominated for seven awards at the 1985 Baftas, winning four for Best Single Drama, Best Design, Best Film Cameraman, and Best Film Editor.
Since its release, it has only been shown three times on television in the UK,most recently to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
On Rotten Tomatoes, it boasts a rare 100% rating with many hailing it the ‘most disturbing film ever made’ and ‘horrifying.’
Speaking about the film on X, Barnsleysime wrote: ‘If you’ve never seen it, I urge you to. Easily one of the most disturbing, yet important British films ever made.
‘I saw it in 1984 as a 14-year-old when it was first broadcast and it scared the life out of me.’
Many declared Threads the most disturbing and terrifying film they had ever seen (Picture: BBC)
ObiWan_Jabroni said: ‘Deciding to watch 1984’s Threads right before you go to sleep was definitely not one of my finest moves. Possibly the most disturbing film I’ve ever seen. Genuinely harrowing stuff. A masterpiece that I’ll probably never watch again.’
Andrew David Barker added: ‘I watched Threads last night and may never sleep again. The most gruelling and disturbing film I’ve seen in a long, long time.
‘As relevant today as it was in 1984. Barry Hines and Mick Jackson have seared images into my brain that will never, ever go away.’
For those that still want to watch Threads after those traumatised reviews, it is streaming on BBC iPlayer for free right now.