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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of The Hidden (1987). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


In the opening sequence, we meet a man named Jack DeVries, portrayed by Chris Mulkey, who executes a brazen robbery at a Wells Fargo bank in Los Angeles, resulting in the brutal murder of multiple security guards. As he embarks on a wild escape, he engages the Los Angeles Police Department in a thrilling high-speed pursuit, ruthlessly forcing an innocent driver and several patrol cars off the road, ultimately causing the deaths of two bystanders in his reckless rampage.

During this chaos, the quick-tempered LAPD Detective Sgt. Thomas Beck, played by Michael Nouri, is hot on the trail, questioning DeVries’ neighbor, who describes him as a seemingly gentle individual. Beck’s partner, Det. Cliff Willis, portrayed by Ed O’Ross, rushes in to inform Beck that the police are in pursuit of DeVries through West Hollywood. When DeVries encounters a police blockade that Beck supervises, he is shot multiple times, yet he manages to smash through the blockade and crash his vehicle. Stumbling from the wreck, he exuberantly tosses bags filled with stolen cash to the awestruck officers before being struck down by their gunfire.

Later at a hospital, the doctors inform Beck and Willis that DeVries is not expected to survive the night. Willis mentions the violent spree that has unfolded over a mere two weeks, raising flags about DeVries’ erratic nature. At the police station, Lt. Ed Flynn, played by Clu Gulager, and Lt. John Masterson, portrayed by Clarence Felder, deliberate on the need to reassign Beck. Just then, FBI Special Agent Lloyd Gallagher, represented by Kyle MacLachlan, enters to inform them that Beck will be joining him in the investigation, expressing that he has been tracking DeVries from Seattle for the past month.

In a shocking turn of events, DeVries awakens in the hospital, disconnects himself from life support, and approaches a comatose patient, Jonathan P. Miller, played by William Boyett. In a startling act, DeVries expels an alien life-form from his mouth into Miller’s body before collapsing lifelessly on the ground. When Dr. Williams revives Miller, he astonishingly rises, seemingly transformed, pushing aside the medical concerns about his history as a decent man.

As the story unfolds, Miller becomes embroiled in a series of ruthless acts, stealing music tapes from a store and brutally murdering the owner in cold blood. Gallagher urges Beck to issue an alert on Miller, but Beck hesitates as Miller’s past appears innocent—only traffic violations to his name. The plot thickens when a female witness identifies Miller as the murderer, forcing Beck to reconsider and issue an APB on him.

Miller’s journey continues as he seeks out stolen luxury cars, highlighting a pattern that closely parallels DeVries’ actions. Not only does he exhibit a propensity for violence, but he also finds himself drawn back to a former acquaintance, and the investigation reveals tantalizing connections that have both Gallagher and Beck questioning their perceptions. The boundaries between victim and predator blur as they delve deeper into Miller’s psyche, uncovering a chilling pattern of escalating violence.

As tension escalates, Miller seizes a red Ferrari and commits further murders at a dealership. In the meantime, Beck’s home life is portrayed poignantly, showing his interactions with his wife, Barbara, and their daughter, Juliet, who seems unusually attuned to the gravity of the situations unfolding.

The film crescendos into an exhilarating hunt through a strip club, where Miller manifests a new host, a stripper named Brenda Lee Van Buren, played by Claudia Christian. The hunt culminates in a high-stakes confrontation involving law enforcement and escalating gunfire, leading to a climactic showdown with an alien twist as the Alien transfers itself between various hosts, showcasing its deadly abilities.

Carefully crafted moments of suspense and revelation abound, with glimpses into the psyche of each character ensnared in this deadly game played between the humans and the alien entity. The interplay between Detective Beck and Gallagher evolves into an intricate web of alliances and betrayals that keep baffling both characters as they race against time to prevent further chaos.

The final act of this gripping tale involves unexpected sacrifices and a harrowing climax at a press conference, triggering a deadly confrontation with unforeseen consequences. In a visually stunning sequence, it is revealed that the alien entity is far more than a mere criminal; its intentions are to dominate not just the lives of the hosts it takes over, but also humanity as a whole.

As the dust settles, Detective Beck faces a life-altering encounter that challenges the very essence of identity and morality, intertwining the fates of both alien and human characters. In a poignant finale, the narrative forces us to ponder the nature of self as the telling marks of humanity lay bare amidst the consequences of their haunting journey.

Timeline

Track the key events of The Hidden (1987) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Bank Robbery

In the opening sequence, Jack DeVries executes a daring robbery at a Wells Fargo bank in Los Angeles. The heist turns deadly as multiple security guards are brutally murdered amidst the chaos.

Los Angeles

High-Speed Chase

Following the robbery, DeVries embarks on a reckless escape, leading to a high-speed chase with the Los Angeles Police Department. His actions result in a dangerous situation where he forces innocent drivers off the road, leading to the tragic deaths of two bystanders.

Los Angeles

Detective Beck's Pursuit

Detective Sgt. Thomas Beck begins his investigation into DeVries, interviewing neighbors who portray DeVries as a gentle man. This sets the stage for the complexities of the case as Beck starts piecing together DeVries' actions.

Blockade Encounter

DeVries, in a desperate attempt to escape, crashes through a police blockade supervised by Beck. Despite being shot multiple times, he makes a last stand by throwing bags of stolen cash at the astonished officers before ultimately being shot down.

West Hollywood

Hospital Revelation

At the hospital, Beck and his partner are informed that DeVries is not expected to survive the night. This revelation causes tension as Willis highlights the recent violent acts that have unfolded over two weeks, suggesting DeVries' unstable nature.

Hospital

FBI Involvement

FBI Special Agent Lloyd Gallagher arrives at the police station, revealing that he has been tracking DeVries from Seattle for the past month. The need to join forces shifts Beck's investigation into a broader context.

Police Station

DeVries Awakens

In a shocking twist, DeVries awakens in the hospital and disconnects himself from life support. He then expels an alien life-form into a comatose patient, Jonathan P. Miller, before collapsing, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the chaos.

Hospital

Miller's Transformation

After the alien entity is expelled, Jonathan P. Miller awakens, seemingly transformed and exhibiting violent tendencies. This sets off a chain of events where Miller begins committing ruthless acts, starting with the murder of a music store owner.

Investigative Complications

Detective Beck struggles with issuing an alert on Miller as his criminal history appears innocent at first. However, after a female witness identifies Miller as the murderer, Beck is forced to take action and issue an APB.

Escalation of Violence

Miller's pattern of violence escalates as he seeks out stolen luxury cars, mirroring DeVries' initial actions. Beck and Gallagher start to question whether they truly understand Miller's psyche and how it connects to DeVries.

Miller's Violent Crime Spree

Miller's crime spree continues when he steals a red Ferrari and commits further murders at a dealership. This rampage intensifies the urgency of Beck and Gallagher's investigation as they race against time.

Dealership

Beck's Family Dynamics

In the midst of the chaos, Detective Beck's home life reveals a stark contrast to his professional turmoil. His interactions with his wife Barbara and daughter Juliet highlight his struggle with the gravity of the unfolding events.

Beck's Home

Final Confrontation

The tension culminates in a harrowing hunt through a strip club where Miller, now a new host for the alien, faces off against law enforcement. The ensuing chaos shows the deadly capabilities of the alien entity as it transfers between hosts.

Strip Club

Press Conference Chaos

In a climactic turn, a press conference turns deadly, revealing the alien entity's true intentions. The confrontation raises questions about the nature of identity and morality as the characters fight to understand their own humanity amidst the alien threat.

Press Conference

The Cost of Humanity

As the film concludes, Detective Beck faces a profound encounter that forces him to reconsider the essence of identity. The story leaves viewers pondering the boundaries between alien and human, challenging the very notion of what it means to connect.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring The Hidden (1987) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Thomas Beck (Michael Nouri)

Detective Sgt. Thomas Beck is depicted as quick-tempered and determined, embodying the traits of a seasoned detective chasing a violent criminal. His character evolves amidst the chaotic backdrop, revealing depth as he navigates personal and professional dilemmas. Beck’s interactions with his family highlight his struggle to balance duty and morality.

👮‍♂️ Police 🔍 Investigator

Lloyd Gallagher (Kyle MacLachlan)

FBI Special Agent Lloyd Gallagher is portrayed as a resourceful investigator, introducing an external perspective to the unfolding chaos. His relentless pursuit of DeVries and later Miller showcases his commitment to understanding the bizarre occurrences, often questioning his own beliefs about crime and humanity. Gallagher's partnership with Beck adds tension and complexity to the investigation.

🕵️‍♂️ FBI Agent 🚨 Law Enforcement

Jonathan P. Miller (William Boyett)

Jonathan P. Miller experiences a profound transformation after the alien entity inhabits him, drastically altering his character from an innocent man to a violent criminal. This duality explores the theme of lost identity and raises questions about the nature of evil. Miller’s actions propel the tension, as he embodies the alien's destructive potential.

🔄 Transformation 💀 Criminal

Brenda Lee Van Buren (Claudia Christian)

Brenda Lee Van Buren is introduced as a stripper who becomes one of the hosts for the alien entity. Her character's involvement adds layers to the alien's manipulation, showcasing the seductive yet dangerous nature of the entity. Brenda’s transformation reflects the film's exploration of vulnerability amid overwhelming darkness.

💃 Stripper 👁️ Enigma

Setting

Uncover the settings of The Hidden (1987), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

The events of the film unfold in a contemporary setting, reflecting the environment of the late 20th century. This period is characterized by the exploration of crime and societal challenges featured in urban landscapes.

Location

Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Seattle

The movie takes place primarily in Los Angeles, known for its vibrant culture and as the heart of the entertainment industry. West Hollywood is highlighted during the high-speed police pursuit, showcasing its bustling streets. Seattle is mentioned as the previous location where the FBI Special Agent has been tracking the main character.

🏙️ City 🌆 Urban

Themes

Explore the core themes of The Hidden (1987). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


👽

Identity

The theme of identity is central to the film, challenging perceptions of self and moral boundaries. As characters experience transformations, the blurring lines between victim and perpetrator emphasize deeper questions about what defines humanity. The alien entity's ability to inhabit different hosts further complicates the idea of identity, forcing characters to confront their darkest aspects.

🌌

Alien Influence

The presence of an alien entity in the film introduces a chilling layer of horror and suspense. This theme explores how external forces can manipulate individuals to commit heinous acts, raising questions about free will and control. The alien's sinister intention to dominate humanity challenges the protagonists to navigate a world where the familiar can suddenly become a threat.

🔫

Violence

Violence is a recurrent theme as it propels the narrative and character arcs. The film delves into the consequences of violent choices made by both the alien and human characters, reflecting a cycle of chaos. This theme prompts viewers to consider the impact of societal violence and the urgency of law enforcement in seeking justice.

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