Back in 1984, the BBC broadcast an apocalyptic TV film about World War 3 that terrified audiences.
Nominated for seven BAFTAs, Threads imagined a nuclear war between NATO and the Warsaw Pact.
The story focused on the horrific consequences of such a conflict on the city of Sheffield in the north of England.
The film, made for £1.3 million (adjusted for inflation), was the first to depict the horrors and impact of a nuclear winter on humanity.
Despite not being widely reviewed upon release, Threads has received 100 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes.
The critically acclaimed film’s review consensus reads: “An urgent warning against nuclear conflict, Threads is a chilling hypothetical that achieves visceral horror with its matter-of-fact presentation of an apocalypse.”
Empire’s five star review read: “This British work of [technically] science fiction teaches an unforgettable lesson in true horror.”
Meanwhile, The Guardian dubbed it “a masterpiece” and said: “It wasn’t until I saw Threads that I found that something on screen could make me break out in a cold, shivering sweat and keep me in that condition for 20 minutes, followed by weeks of depression and anxiety.”
Threads is streaming now on BBC iPlayer.
