Frequency
| 2000Directed by: Gregory Hoblit
Main Plot
Frequency is a science fiction thriller that revolves around the unique connection between a father and son across time. The story begins with John Sullivan, a New York City police officer in 1999, who discovers his late father's old ham radio. During a rare atmospheric phenomenon, John manages to communicate with his father, Frank Sullivan, who is a firefighter living in 1969. As they converse across the decades, John warns Frank about the fire that would eventually claim his life, altering the course of history. This change sets off a chain of events that leads to unforeseen consequences, including the emergence of a serial killer. Together, father and son must work across time to solve the mystery and prevent further tragedies, all while navigating the complexities of their altered realities. The film explores themes of family, destiny, and the ripple effects of changing the past.
Characters
- Dennis Quaid plays Frank Sullivan, a firefighter who communicates with his future son via a ham radio, altering events and driving the plot's time-travel mystery.
- Jim Caviezel plays John Sullivan, a detective who communicates with his deceased father through a ham radio, altering past events to solve a murder case.
- Shawn Doyle plays Jack Shepard, a detective whose investigation into a series of murders becomes pivotal, connecting past and present events through a mysterious radio.
Ending Explained
In the movie Frequency, the ending resolves the central conflict involving time manipulation and a serial killer. The story revolves around John Sullivan, a police officer in 1999, who communicates with his deceased father, Frank, a firefighter from 1969, through a mysterious ham radio. Their communication inadvertently alters the timeline, leading to a series of events where a serial killer, the Nightingale, becomes a significant threat. In the climax, John and Frank work together across time to stop the killer. Frank, in 1969, manages to prevent the murder of John's mother, Julia, by confronting the killer. Meanwhile, in 1999, John faces the killer, who has now targeted him due to the timeline changes. The tension builds as both father and son coordinate their actions through the radio, ultimately leading to Frank's successful intervention in the past. The resolution occurs when John, in the present, confronts the killer in his home. With Frank's help from the past, they manage to defeat the killer, ensuring the safety of their family. The film concludes with a heartwarming scene where John, now with his family intact, plays baseball with his father, illustrating the restored and strengthened family bonds.