Duel follows David (Dennis Weaver) as he travels for work, sharing the road with a murderous truck driver who has it out for him. Spielberg somehow manages to make this simple plot fill 90 minutes of film and have it not be dreadfully boring. This made-for-TV movie is so gripping because it accurately represents the psychological warfare imparted by a dangerous stalker. Shock, adrenaline, and paranoia–just to name a few–are skillfully displayed by Weaver throughout the entire duration of the film. Complete with an explosively climactic third act, this movie received a PG rating and is kid-friendly (if your kids can hang with the anxiety-inducing suspense).
