Phase IV
Austere desert scientists confront an emergent ant civilization whose collective intelligence may eclipse humanity.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Mild
- eerie
- foreboding
- claustrophobic
- late night viewing
- cult film night
What critics said
Critics broadly find the film visually striking and eerie, while faulting its thin explanations and underdeveloped ideas or performances.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The ants coordinate complex attacks and develop a strategic society against desert inhabitants.
Time-lapse photography turns ant movement and ecological change into a source of visual dread.
The plot centers on ants waging war against desert life and human settlements.
Two scientists investigate the ant phenomenon from an isolated desert facility with limited contact beyond the colony.
Films like Phase IV, and why
The Birds
shares ecological horror, hostile nonhuman intelligence, and an atmosphere of scientific dread
The Fly
shares science fiction horror, unsettling biological transformation, and distrust of human control
Invasion of the Body Snatchers
shares austere speculative horror, enigmatic nonhuman forces, and visually driven unease
Them!
shares insect-centered menace, paranoid isolation, and ecological anxiety
Movie Details
- Director
- Saul Bass
- Release Date
- 1974-09-13
- Runtime
- 86 min
- Rating
- 6.3 / 10 (309)
Cast
- Nigel Davenport
- Michael Murphy
- Lynne Frederick
- Alan Gifford
- Robert Henderson
- Helen Horton
- David Healy
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- JustWatch TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Phase IV about?
- Austere desert scientists confront an emergent ant civilization whose collective intelligence may eclipse humanity.
- What is Phase IV like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Phase IV as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Phase IV violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Phase IV as mild.
- What did critics think of Phase IV?
- Critics broadly find the film visually striking and eerie, while faulting its thin explanations and underdeveloped ideas or performances.
- Which films are like Phase IV?
- Films with a similar feel include The Birds, The Fly, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and Them!.
- How long is Phase IV?
- Phase IV runs 86 minutes.
- Where can I watch Phase IV?
- In United States, Phase IV is available to rent or buy from JustWatch TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
