Flatliners

Audience Reviews

View More

Blu B Nov 18 A Schumacher Cult Classic. How this film doesn't get talked about more and doesn't have more mainstream respect is baffling given the director and all star cast. The film is a mix of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Religious, Psychological Thriller and Horror. Everything here is pretty solid with Schumachers very distinct and really good direction. I swear it doesn't feel like a 1990 film but feels like in terms of style and tone it's about 6-7 years ahead of its time. It reminds me of a Bay, Mann, The Crow if you mushed them all together style wise. The whole thing is shot like a dream and the constant sunset is symbolic. The commentary is filled with rich topics about sin, atonement, the great beyond, and ethics. There is probably two things that hold this back for me. First it's the fact that some of the melodrama can seem a bit over the top and out of place. Or rather the crime not matching the punishment. Baldwin's character being a perv should'nt have the same guilt as Bacon teasing a girl in Elementary School. On top of that some of the acting while good in general is a bit over the top especially Sutherland's performance. Which can be best described as a moody almost emo teen doctor at times. Finally it fits in a lot with the 4-5 seperate storylines. It walks a fine line of jumping around between each of them and also keeping them together in intervals. It keeps them together JUST enough for me where it isn't jumpy but it goes around between them seperately just enough to be noticeable. It isn't bloated but it is a lot at times and would've maybe helped if it was 2-3 instead of 4-5. I am suprised at how this really goes for character development and growth becaus the vibe at first I got was this was gonna go for pointless jumpscares and go the horror route. It really doesn't and ends up being a suprisngly sweet film despite it's dark, gritty, overly serious tone 90% of the time. Anyone who is a fan of the director, any actors, films that deal with the afterlife subject manner, pschological horror or thriller films should check this out. I honestly liked it more than I thought I would. It has a lot to say and says it well. See more Rohan H Oct 31 Flatliners (1990) is a bold, stylish, and haunting thriller that dares to explore one of life’s greatest mysteries — what happens after we die. Directed by Joel Schumacher, this gripping film combines science fiction, psychological horror, and drama into a thought-provoking story about guilt, redemption, and the boundaries of human curiosity. The film follows a group of ambitious medical students — played by an impressive ensemble cast including Kiefer Sutherland, Julia Roberts, Kevin Bacon, William Baldwin, and Oliver Platt — who experiment with stopping their hearts for short periods to experience “the other side.” What begins as a daring scientific pursuit quickly turns dark as their past sins return to haunt them in ways they could never have imagined. Kiefer Sutherland leads the cast with intensity and arrogance, while Julia Roberts adds warmth and emotional depth as the group’s moral conscience. Kevin Bacon’s grounded performance brings realism to the chaos, and the chemistry among the ensemble keeps the tension electric throughout. Each character’s personal demons give the story emotional weight, making Flatliners more than just a supernatural thriller — it’s a story about facing one’s past and seeking forgiveness. Visually, the film is striking. Schumacher’s direction creates an atmosphere that’s both eerie and beautiful, with moody lighting, surreal dream sequences, and stylish cinematography that capture the line between life and death. The haunting score enhances the tension, giving the movie a truly unsettling yet captivating tone. What makes Flatliners stand out is its blend of thrills and thoughtfulness. Beneath the suspense lies a moral and philosophical core — a reminder that no one escapes their past, but redemption is possible through honesty and courage. See more Melissa L @Agent99 Oct 3 This movie has many well-known stars, is eerie, and a classic. See more Aluna U Sep 30 Flatliners presents a compelling concept about exploring life after death through risky medical experiments conducted by five ambitious students. The film unfolds with a strong character build-up and escalating tension as supernatural consequences begin haunting them. Emotional depth is explored through personal guilt and unresolved trauma, making each character's journey unique. With impressive acting, effective use of visuals, and a strong moral message, the film remains engaging and thought-provoking. Despite its age, Flatliners delivers a powerful reminder that death—and guilt—should never be taken lightly. Read the full review here: (Indonesian version : alunauwie.com) and (English version : uwiepuspita.com) See more Amelia A Sep 30 The dark, poetic 90's mood is in full swing with this one, and the casting is unparalleled. Keifer Sutherland in particular brings magic to this kind of roles. One could get lost in the intense, moody vibes and the gothic aesthetics alone, the director is Joel Schumacher at his best. There's an authenticity here, an unapologetic commitment to its in-world objectives, to its somewhat larger-than-life characters and its world-building rules, in this atmospheric sci-fi/horror set to explore the idea of near-death experiences, that makes its somewhat uncomplicated plot-line very rewarding to watch. Great stuff, and a far cry from the plasticky, sanitised, corporate-safe bilge too often distributed today. That period's "have a fun, weird idea and run with it" is the reason we're drowning in bad remakes of great 80's and 90's movies today. See more A.L.Jude P @judebd Aug 6 Somewhat original and sure to follow similar efforts. See more Read all reviews

Flatliners

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW

Most Popular at Home Now