The Puppet Masters streaming
Genre
Horror
Year
1994
Runtime
1h49

0

Metascore

The Puppet Masters

Control comes at a price; who pulls the strings?

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Synopsis

In 'The Puppet Masters,' based on the science fiction novel by Robert A. Heinlein, we are introduced to a gripping tale of invasion and control. The film stars Donald Sutherland as a seasoned government agent, working alongside a team tasked with investigating a mysterious phenomenon in rural Iowa. People in the area are being taken over by invisible parasitic creatures that latch onto their bodies, transforming them into mindless puppets. As the team endeavors to uncover the sinister origins of these invaders, they encounter harrowing challenges. The plot furthers the deep-rooted theme of human autonomy versus external control, ultimately leading to a race against time to thwart the aliens' plan before the invasion spreads beyond local boundaries. Blending elements of horror and science fiction, the film explores the concepts of trust, manipulation, and survival in the face of overwhelming odds, engaging the audience with suspense and thought-provoking dilemmas about free will.

Cast

  • Donald Sutherland

    Donald Sutherland

    Andrew Nivens

  • Eric Thal

    Eric Thal

    Sam Nivens

  • Julie Warner

    Julie Warner

    Mary Sefton

  • Keith David

    Keith David

    Alex Holland

  • Will Patton

    Will Patton

    Dr. Lawrence Graves

  • Richard Belzer

    Richard Belzer

    Neil Jarvis

Reviews

The reception of The Puppet Masters has been mixed, with a general consensus leaning towards discontent from critics. Rotten Tomatoes rates the film at only 26%, with many expressing disappointment in its execution. According to the site's critics' consensus, 'This science fiction film fails to deliver suspense and instead feels like a rushed adaptation of Heinlein's source material.' On IMDb, the film holds a score of 5.9/10, suggesting a less favorable opinion among viewers as well. The performances, particularly Donald Sutherland's, received some praise, with Rotten Tomatoes highlighting, 'Sutherland gives an engaging performance, yet it's overshadowed by the film's weak plot and pacing issues.' Metacritic offers a score of 32, indicating generally unfavorable reviews. Critics such as the Washington Post conveyed that the film feels 'uninspired' and 'stuck in cliche plots common to the genre.' Despite these critiques, some viewers appreciate the film's nostalgic value and B-movie charm, finding enjoyment in its unique concepts and special effects. Overall, while 'The Puppet Masters' attempts to explore complex themes, it struggles to resonate with audiences and critics alike.