Testament

Testament is set in the small California town of Hamlin, where an ordinary day is interrupted by news that nuclear weapons have struck the East Coast. The Wetherly family, led by Carol and Tom, initially believes they are far from danger, but the effects soon reach them. Radiation sickness spreads, order breaks down, and the community must confront the aftermath of an attack that leaves no safe distance. Lynne Littman directed the film from a screenplay by John Sacret Young, producing alongside Jonathan Bernstein. Jane Alexander stars as Carol Wetherly, with William Devane as Tom and Roxana Zal and Lukas Haas among the children. Ross Harris and Rossie Harris are both credited as Brad Wetherly.

Littman came to the project after earlier documentary and short works, and Testament stands as one of her best-known narrative features. The film is based in part on a magazine article by Carol Amen, though it builds its own portrait of a family facing an unthinkable situation. The modest two-million-dollar production earned roughly the same amount at the worldwide box office, a small return that reflects its difficult subject rather than its reputation.

Audiences have been more reserved than critics: IMDb users rate it 6.9 out of 10 from about 7,900 votes, while TMDB shows 6.4 out of 10 from 144 ratings. By contrast, critics gave it 7.9 out of 10 from 47 reviews, suggesting the film was appreciated more for its craft and restraint than for broad popular appeal.