The Wraith is a 1986 American action-fantasy film written and directed by Mike Marvin. The movie takes place in the small town of Brooks, Arizona, where a gang of car thieves, led by the ruthless Packard Walsh (Nick Cassavetes), terrorizes the locals by forcing them into high-stakes drag races. The winner of each race claims ownership of the loser's vehicle, and Packard uses this tactic to control and intimidate the town.
The story begins with a mysterious and supernatural event: four glowing orbs descend from the sky and merge into a sleek, all-black Dodge M4S Turbo Interceptor. This car is driven by a ghostly figure known as the Wraith, who is determined to take revenge on Packard's gang. The Wraith challenges the gang members to races, which end in fatal crashes for the gang, but the Turbo Interceptor miraculously reassembles itself after each incident.
As the Wraith continues to eliminate the gang members, a new character, Jake Kesey (Charlie Sheen), arrives in town. Jake befriends Keri Johnson (Sherilyn Fenn), the girlfriend of Jamie Hankins, a young man murdered by Packard's gang. Unbeknownst to Keri, Jake is actually the resurrected spirit of Jamie, who has returned to exact revenge and reconnect with Keri. The film culminates in a dramatic confrontation between Jake (the Wraith) and Packard, ending in Packard's demise in a high-speed collision.
The Wraith combines elements of action, fantasy, and revenge, making it a unique blend of genres. Despite its campy and dated elements, the film has become a cult classic for its over-the-top action sequences and memorable performances. The movie features a notable cast, including Charlie Sheen, Randy Quaid, and Nick Cassavetes, and is remembered for its iconic Turbo Interceptor car and the supernatural revenge plot.