Miracle Mile Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A guy misses a date, answers a phone, and suddenly everyone’s trying to escape to Antarctica because someone said the Soviets are attacking, but really it’s just a very elaborate excuse to skip town with a new girlfriend.

🍿 Miracle Mile: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Missed Date and a Fateful Phone Call

Harry, a musician, meets Julie and they instantly connect, planning a late-night date. He oversleeps and arrives at the diner where she works hours late. Trying to apologize, he answers a ringing payphone and overhears a frantic soldier claiming a nuclear war has begun and Los Angeles will be hit within 70 minutes. Initially skeptical, Harry shares the information with the diner patrons. A businesswoman makes some calls and the information is seemingly confirmed. Chaos ensues as people react to the impending doom, trying to flee the city.

Race Against Time

Harry becomes determined to find Julie and escape Los Angeles with her. As the city descends into anarchy, he faces escalating obstacles. He encounters desperate people, carjackings, and violence as he tries to navigate the chaotic streets. He manages to locate Julie, and they attempt to reach a pre-arranged helicopter pickup point. The clock continues to tick down, adding to the tension and highlighting the desperation of their situation.

Confirmation and Final Moments

Despite their efforts, they face increasing setbacks and moral dilemmas. Harry starts to doubt the veracity of the initial phone call, wondering if he’s caused mass panic over a hoax. However, his doubts are extinguished when he contacts the soldier’s father, confirming the imminent nuclear attack. They finally reach the designated rooftop helipad, only to find it empty. As a missile becomes visible in the sky, they realize their escape is impossible and must face the end.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Harry Washello (Anthony Edwards): A Glenn Miller cover band artist who accidentally learns about an impending nuclear war and frantically searches for his new love, Julie.
• Julie Peters (Mare Winningham): A youth volunteer and waitress who falls in love with Harry and faces the end of the world alongside him.
• Wilson (Mykelti Williamson): A carjacker and petty thief who becomes entangled in Harry’s frantic escape, seeking to save his sister, Charlotta.
• Landa (Denise Crosby): A businesswoman who verifies the authenticity of the nuclear threat and charters private jets for Antarctica, leaving some behind.
• Ivan Peters (John Agar): Julie’s estranged grandfather who rekindles his romance with Lucy amidst the impending chaos.
• Lucy Peters (Lou Hancock): Julie’s estranged grandmother who reconciles with Ivan and chooses to face the end together.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Chip: “Thor Arthur 66ZZD. Tell my father I love him, even though I never said it.” – Chip frantically delivers this code and message over the phone, believing he’s about to die, setting the entire plot in motion.
• Harry: “Forget everything you just heard, and go back to sleep.” – Spoken by an ominous voice after Chip is seemingly killed, adding to the uncertainty and dread.
• Harry: “We’re not people anymore, we’re mammals!” – Harry exclaims this in disbelief, overwhelmed by the primal chaos erupting around him as society breaks down.
• Harry: “We’ll be diamonds. You and me, Julie, we’ll be diamonds.” – Harry says this to comfort Julie as they face certain death in the tar pits, offering a glimmer of hope amidst despair.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3,700,000
• Domestic Gross: $1,145,404
• Worldwide Gross: $1,145,578

💥 Miracle Mile Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, ‘Miracle Mile’ really got to me! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. The way the movie blends romance with the impending doom is just brilliant. I really felt Harry’s desperation to find Julie. That final scene in the tar pits? Absolutely heartbreaking. I was left thinking about it for days.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of suspenseful thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in apocalyptic scenarios”
  • “Those who appreciate films with unique blends of genres”
  • “Fans of 1980s cinema”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Brief Nudity”
  • “Drug Use”
  • “Language”
  • “Intense thematic elements (nuclear war)”

Professional Reviews

• CBR: “This 37-Year-Old Thriller is Perfect For Stanley Kubrick Fans. Its unnerving atmosphere and focus on societal breakdown make it a suspenseful and thought-provoking watch.
• Collider.com: “This Underrated ’80s Romantic Comedy Takes a Terrifying Turn Into an Apocalyptic Thriller. The film masterfully blends romance and suspense, creating a unique and unforgettable viewing experience. The shift from lighthearted to intense is seamless and impactful.
• User Reviews: “‘Miracle Mile’ is an apocalyptic classic. The film portrays mass hysteria and panic due to an impending nuclear attack. It’s an extremely enjoyable film that makes you think of your own immediate values.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the unexpected blend of romance and apocalyptic thriller, creating a unique movie experience.: The film’s suspenseful atmosphere and realistic portrayal of societal breakdown were widely praised.

Many viewers found the ending emotionally impactful, appreciating the film’s willingness to embrace tragedy.: The Tangerine Dream soundtrack was repeatedly mentioned for enhancing the film’s tension and atmosphere.

Overall Consensus: A suspenseful and thought-provoking blend of romance and apocalyptic thriller, praised for its realistic portrayal of societal breakdown and emotionally impactful ending.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Steve De Jarnatt struggled for years to get ‘Miracle Mile’ made, facing numerous rejections and creative compromises before finally bringing his vision to the screen.”
• “The film’s score by Tangerine Dream is considered one of their best and most distinctive, perfectly complementing the film’s atmosphere of dread and urgency.”
• “The scene where Harry pushes Julie through a chaotic department store in a shopping cart was filmed with minimal special effects, relying on practical stunts and the actors’ performances to convey the sense of panic.”

🖥️ How to Watch Miracle Mile?

Miracle Mile is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms. Check Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube Movies, and Google Play Movies for rental or purchase options. Availability may vary depending on your region. Unfortunately, it’s not widely available on streaming subscription services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Miracle Mile, you might like these similar films:

• Threads (1984): A bleak and realistic portrayal of the effects of nuclear war on a British city, emphasizing the social and environmental breakdown.
• The Day After (1983): Another Cold War-era film depicting the devastating consequences of a nuclear attack on a small town in the United States.
• After Hours (1985): Shares a similar sense of escalating, surreal chaos as the protagonist navigates a nightmarish cityscape.
• 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016): Maintains suspense and uncertainty about an external threat, trapping characters in a confined space.

🛒 Miracle Mile Related Products

• Miracle Mile (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Vinyl]: A limited edition vinyl pressing of the Tangerine Dream soundtrack. Captures the atmospheric tension and haunting beauty of the film’s score. A must-have for collectors and fans of electronic music.
• 80s Movie Poster Pack (Set of 6): 6 x Movie Poster (12 x 18 inches). A great assortment of iconic 80s movies posters.
• Cold War Board Game: A strategic board game centered around the Cold War. Players navigate political and military tensions to achieve global dominance. Great for history buffs and strategy game enthusiasts.
• Emergency Survival Kit: Comprehensive kit including food, water, first aid, and essential tools for emergency situations. Prepare for any disaster with this reliable survival kit.

🎧 Soundtrack

Miracle Mile features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “We’re Back” – performed by Tangerine Dream
• “Love on the Wire” – performed by Tangerine Dream
• “After The Call” – performed by Tangerine Dream
• “Running Out Of Time” – performed by Tangerine Dream
• “If It’s All Over” – performed by Tangerine Dream

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

“Miracle Mile” (1988) – Siskel & Ebert & the Movies review

Ever wonder what the critics thought of Miracle Mile back in the day? Check out Siskel & Ebert’s review – it’s a fascinating glimpse into how the film was received and they raise some points you might not have considered!

Miracle Mile Cafe Scene (possible Semena Mertvykh influence?)

Did you know the music in Miracle Mile might have influenced Boards of Canada? This video breaks down a specific scene and explores the connection – it’s pretty mind-blowing and adds a whole new layer to the film!

Miracle Mile Kurt Fuller

Kurt Fuller’s performance in Miracle Mile is unforgettable, isn’t it? This clip showcases one of his standout moments, a good reminder of his role.

✨ Rate