Testament (1983)

83% of critics liked it
(6 reviews)
71% of users liked it
(1,099 ratings)

Director Lynne Littman has created an effective, understated portrayal of the cost of a nuclear war in human terms, in a film as far removed from the fake hyperbole of action and disaster movies as the natural world is from cartoons. Set in the small California town of Hamlin, the Wetherly family… More Director Lynne Littman has created an effective, understated portrayal of the cost of a nuclear war in human terms, in a film as far removed from the fake hyperbole of action and disaster movies as the natural world is from cartoons. Set in the small California town of Hamlin, the Wetherly family and their everyday concerns open the story. The trivia that fills their secure, ordinary existence disappears when a TV show is interrupted with the announcement that nuclear bombs have exploded in the major cities on the East Coast, and then the entire scene is erased in an increasingly white, blank movie screen -- meant to show that nuclear blasts have been detonated in California as well. Over 1000 people die in the first month from radiation sickness, but the mother in the Wetherly family (Jane Alexander) displays great inner strength as she cares for orphaned children the family has taken under its wing and goes on sustaining those that remain in her own family. At one point, she quietly conveys to her daughter the happiness of intimacy between two adults, knowing her daughter will not live to experience adult love. As these individuals and the children cope with day-to-day existence, there is never any intrusion of overt horrors, the focus remains on the individuals and the way in which they adjust to the inevitable. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 30 min.
Directed By: Lynne Littman
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Nov 4, 1983 Wide
On DVD: Dec 7, 2004

Critic Reviews

Michael W. Phillips, Jr., Goatdog's Movies
The film is barely competent, revealing its TV-movie roots in uncertain directorial guidance, technical flubs, [and] a patchwork script.
MaryAnn Johanson, Flick Filosopher
Testament's power comes in all the understatements...
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Powerful depiction of the psychological terror that grips a California community after New York and other cities in the East are destroyed by nuclear bombs.
Bob Bloom, Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
A bleak, uncompromising look at the after-effects of a nuclear attack. The small scale makes the tragic story the more intimate and personal. A touching experience.
John A. Nesbit, ToxicUniverse.com
The film's emotional impact is draining and long lasting without showing close-ups of the initial blast with evaporating bodies and mass destruction.

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Featured Audience Ratings

El Hombre I

Very understated drama about the aftermath of a nuclear war. This film is the direct opposite of The Day After and has no flashy special effects, no explosions, scenes of mass devastation and so on. Instead the focus is on an American suburban family which has to contend with the… More
Very understated drama about the aftermath of a nuclear war. This film is the direct opposite of The Day After and has no flashy special effects, no explosions, scenes of mass devastation and so on. Instead the focus is on an American suburban family which has to contend with the inevitable effects of World War III. Testament shows very effectively the possible reality of what would have happened to any small town in America if a nuclear attack had happened in the early eighties. Jane Alexander does a great job as the mother trying to keep her family together during the beginning of the end. I would recommend this movie for the serious movie watcher who is looking for more substance and drama from a movie rather than action and suspense. Remember to recycle your batteries. <a href="http://s273.photobucket.com/albums/jj203/goji9000/?action=view&current=testament-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj203/goji9000/testament-2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Cast

            Jane Alexander as Carol Wetherly

            William Devane as Tom Wetherly

            Rossie Harris as Brad Wetherly

            Roxana Zal as Mary Liz Wetherly

            Lukas Haas as Scottie Wetherly

            Philip Anglim as Hollis

            Lilia Skala as Fania

            Leon Ames as Henry Abhart

            Rebecca De Mornay as Cathy Pitkin

            Kevin Costner as Phil Pitkin

            Mako as Mike

            Mico Olmos as Larry

            Gary Bayer as Angry Man

            Michael C. Gwynne
            
            Wayne Heffley as Police Chief

            Lila Kedrova
            
            Rocky Krakoff as Pied Piper

            Garry Murillo as Hiroshi

            Martin Rudy as Dr. Jenson

            William G. Schilling as Pharmacist

            Brennan J. Smith as Bildocker

            Lurene Tuttle as Rosemary Abhart

            Lesley Woods as Lady Mayor

            Jamie Abbott as Boy Mayor

            Keri Houlihan as Lisa

            Jesse Wayne as Man in Line

            Clete Roberts as Newscaster

            Dave Nichols as Worried Man
See full cast