In the dystopian future of the 1990s, a scientist named Paul Dean creates parasitic creatures (which resemble tadpoles) as a biological weapon. Realizing what he has done, he tries to destroy them but ends up infected himself. Now he has to find a cure to his condition while being chased by a representative of the company he used to work for.
The film features Demi Moore in her second film role, and Stan Winston among the special effect staff.
This film has the examples of:
- After the End: Dialogue suggests some sort of vague atomic war took place before the story begins.
- Antagonist Title: The parasite monsters are the main threat.
- An Arm and a Leg: Wolf cuts off Buddy's hand after he lies about not seeing Paul passing by.
- The Apunkalypse: The various gangs that populate this world meet this standard. One of the gang members in Joshua is even played by Cherie Curie, former lead singer of the all-girl punk band The Runaways.
- Attempted Rape: Paul comes across two thugs attacking a woman, and intervenes with his laser gun.
- Awesome, but Impractical: Wolf drives a Lamborghini when pursuing Paul, which while indeed is a Cool Car, is not the most practical vehicle for cross country pursuits given the fuel shortages the world is experiencing.
- Chairman of the Brawl: One of the rapists attacks Paul with a chair.
- Crapsack World: Taking place After the End, the film features the typical dystopian tropes of an oppressive MegaCorp, roving bands of gangs ruling decaying towns, inflated cost of living ($40 a gallon for gas and meals cost a silver coin) and general breakdown of society (resources are scarce and paper money is scoffed at).
- Destination Defenestration: While fighting the rapists, Paul sends one of them through a window.
- *Drool* Hello: Miss Daley notices the parasite drooling from above before it attacks her.
- Dying Town: Joshua, where Paul takes refuge for the remainder of the film.
- The End... Or Is It?: Patricia declares that everything is over upon the death of the remaining parasite, but the final shot of the film hangs the proverbial question mark on that statement.
- Energy Weapon: People working for the Merchants have access to laser weapons.
- Faux Affably Evil: Wolf usually comes across as friendly and congenial with folks when he first meets them, striking up small talk with them. But the minute he suspects they're lying to him his nasty side comes out...
- Gross-Up Close-Up: Being a 3D film, a closeup is done on a pipe impaling one of the rapists.
- Hand in the Hole: Zeke checking out the canister holding the parasite is played like this.
- Haughty Help: Chris the gas station attendant seems to snark at all customers and treat them with disdain.
- Kill It with Fire: Wolf and the remaining parasite are killed when they are engulfed in a gasoline explosion.
- MegaCorp: Xyrex. It is also implied that it more or less controls the government.
- Names to Run Away from Really Fast: Wolf, the suitman who's after Paul.
- Privately Owned Society: The Xyrex Corp. seems to have control over various major industries affecting people's daily lives with no police or other government oversight left.
- Redemption Equals Death: Ricus dies right after saving Collins's life.
- Strapped to an Operating Table: Paul in his nightmare that opens the film.
