Writer/Director Harley Wallen gives us the 2019 action/crime thriller Eternal Code. Our flashback Friday review looks at this intense science story. Wallen, a favorites of ours, never disappoints and this film is no exception. This one will keep you glued to the screen through the entire 105 minute runtime.
The Eternal Code Story
As two companies prepare to join forces, one holdout has stopped the merger. New technology that allows a person to transfer their brain to another body has been stalled. The person standing in the way is kidnapped. Only a homeless vet and a few hookers can help them.
The Cast
Richard Tyson is Oliver.
Scout Taylor-Compton is Charlie.
Billy Wirth is Mark Pellegrini.
Yan Birch is Magnus.
Mel Novak is Mr Pomeroy.
Erika Hoveland is Bridget Pellegrini.
Damien Chinappi is Corey.
Kaiti Wallen is Stephanie.
Angelina Danielle Cama is Miranda Pellegrini.
Harley Wallen is Sam.
Shane Hagedorn is Carter.
Ken Alter is David.
Let’s Talk Eternal Code
The premise of this one is brilliant. Filmed before the first successful face transplant, the filmmaker decides to “up the ante.” A head transplant, done with cadavers, is working well. The next step, the company says, is brain transplants.
Bridget, who has the veto vote says no. This leads to the kidnapping/murder rampage later on. Oliver is the guy who wants the merger. It will allow him to start the brain transplants and he will stop at nothing. He wants this to happen for monetary and personal reasons.
The pacing on Eternal Code is tight. Oliver is a great villain and his frantic move to force a yes vote is tension personified. Corey, our reluctant hero moves just as quickly once he finds his feet.
Cast is King/Queen
Wallen gives us characters we can identify with. A former CIA operative, a mercenary and a mentally unhinged third wheel. “I am not a babysitter!” Charlie screams. She is an unwilling participant in dealing with the kidnapped victims.
Kudos to the following: Hagedorn for making Carter truly reprehensible and pretty unnerving. Tyson gives good bad guy. Compton Taylor convinces as the gal with anger issues; Charlie. Harley Wallen is spot on as the mercenary leader. Chinappi is great as the homeless vet turned hero. Kaiti Wallen is always believable in whatever role she plays. Cama rocks as the brave, bewildered and frightened Miranda. Yan Birch plays delightfully against type here and it works brilliantly.
Special shout out to Calhoun Koenig as May. They always deliver a truthful performance.
*We have just learned that Calhoun died on 7 September 2025. RIP and prayers to her family and friends. A sad loss of someone so young and talented.*
It Works
Eternal Code works on many levels. Oddly enough the film makes me think of the 2017 film Get Out. It also resembles the 2005 horror film The Skeleton Key. Both films deal with exchanging brains/minds with another person. The difference being that these films did so with Voodoo or Black Magic. Considering that science used to be called magic, aka Alchemy, it is not too far a stretch.
The story involves a tiny rescue team of four hookers, Bridget’s daughter Miranda and Corey. Against all odds they overcome the bad guys who are holding Bridget. Once again, the tale is told well enough we do not doubt the film’s veracity.
The Verdict
Eternal Code earns a solid 5 stars. It is polished, intense and entertaining. I was on the edge of my seat throughout. The film is streaming on Prime, Tubi, Plex, et al. Pop some corn, pour the beverage of your choice and watch this one. Thank me later.
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