"Frequency" is a science fiction drama that skillfully blends elements of time travel with police procedural storytelling. Typical to the genre, it involves the manipulation of time and its effects, featuring a rare temporal communication phenomenon allowing the protagonist to interact with the past. This leads to complex causality dilemmas and altered realities, common themes in sci-fi narratives. What sets "Frequency" apart from other titles in the genre is its deep emotional core—the father-son relationship between Frank Sullivan (Dennis Quaid) and John Sullivan (Jim Caviezel). The show balances thrilling crime-solving aspects with heartfelt family dynamics, creating a compelling narrative that explores both the ethical implications of changing the past and the bonds that tie generations together.
Main Cast of Frequency
Dennis Quaid
Frank Sullivan
Fans of Dennis Quaid will appreciate his role in 'Frequency' for the emotional depth and nuanced performance he delivers as John Sullivan, a New York firefighter who communicates with his deceased father across time via a mysterious radio frequency. This role showcases Quaid's ability to blend action with heartfelt drama, differing from his most iconic performance in '
The Right Stuff,' where he portrayed astronaut Gordon Cooper with a focus on ambition and pioneering spirit. An interesting detail about 'Frequency' is that the film was shot in a way to authentically capture the 1960s and 1990s settings, with Quaid immersing himself in the period to bring realism to his portrayal of a father longing to protect his son.
Jim Caviezel
John Sullivan
Fans of Jim Caviezel will enjoy his role in the movie 'Frequency' because it allows him to showcase his emotional depth and intensity, similar to his most iconic performance as Jesus Christ in '
The Passion of the Christ.' In 'Frequency,' Caviezel plays John Sullivan, a detective who communicates with his deceased father across time via a ham radio, blending elements of suspense, supernatural drama, and heartfelt family dynamics. This role offers a grounded, modern-day hero archetype, contrasting with the spiritual and historical gravity of his portrayal of Jesus. An interesting detail about his casting in 'Frequency' is that Caviezel replaced another actor, which brought a fresh and compelling energy to the role, allowing him to explore a more action-oriented character while maintaining the emotional complexity fans admire.
Shawn Doyle
Jack Shepard
Shawn Doyle delivers a compelling performance as Jack Shepard in 'Frequency,' embodying a character that blends emotional depth with a nuanced sense of determination. Unlike some of his other roles, which often lean into more intense or dramatic perspectives, Doyle's portrayal of Shepard is marked by a subtle vulnerability that enriches the film's suspenseful narrative. Interestingly, while 'Frequency' allowed him to explore a unique sci-fi thriller dimension, Doyle is also known for his work in television series such as 'Big Little Lies,' showcasing his versatile acting range across genres.
Elizabeth Mitchell
Julia Sullivan
Elizabeth Mitchell played a pivotal role in the 2000 movie "Frequency," where she portrayed Julia Salinger, the wife of the protagonist, John Sullivan. Her performance was well-received for its emotional depth and authenticity, adding a heartfelt layer to the film's sci-fi narrative. What made her portrayal unique was her ability to convey complex emotions subtly, making the family dynamics believable and compelling amidst the movie's time-bending plot. A lesser-known fact is that during filming, Mitchell and the cast developed real-time walkie-talkie communications to simulate the cross-time radio conversations, which helped them deliver more natural performances and added to the film's immersive feel.
Andre Braugher
Satch DeLeon
In the movie 'Frequency' (2000), Andre Braugher plays the role of John Sullivan, a seasoned detective and father caught in a supernatural time-bending communication with his son. This role allowed Braugher to portray a character balancing strong paternal instincts with the urgency of solving a complex mystery across decades. Unlike some of his more famous roles—such as Captain Raymond Holt in '
Brooklyn Nine-Nine' or Detective Frank Pembleton in '
Homicide: Life on the Street'—which emphasize his commanding presence and dry wit, his performance in 'Frequency' stands out for its emotional vulnerability and depth as he navigates both family and crime drama elements. This part showcases Braugher's versatility and ability to carry nuanced emotional weight, contributing to the film's heartfelt and suspenseful atmosphere, and enriching his career portfolio beyond his stronger identification with authoritative or procedural roles.
Crew of Frequency
Full backstage crew list →