Empathy (2007)

A gripping BBC supernatural thriller in which a newly freed ex-convict's terrifying psychic visions drag him into the heart of a murder investigation.

Empathy - Movie Information

  • Original Title: Empathy
  • Release Year: 2007
  • Directed by: David Richards
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: TV Movie, Horror, Thriller
  • Runtime: 1h 30m
  • Original Language: English
  • Production Companies: BBC, Carnival Films
  • Production Countries: United Kingdom

Empathy - Plot

Supernatural drama about ex-con Jimmy Collins, just released from prison, who begins experiencing paranormal visions whenever he touches people. His visions involve him in a high-profile murder case, assisting the police even while he himself is under suspicion.

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Empathy - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • David Richards

Main Cast

  • Simon Armstrong
  • Nick Bartlett
  • Amber Beattie
  • Mark Womack
  • Stephen Moyer
  • Nicholas Sidi
  • Cornelius Macarthy
  • Heather Peace
  • Peter Polycarpou
  • Gary Raymond

Writers

  • Steve Lightfoot

Empathy - FAQs

What is Empathy (2007) about?

Empathy follows Jimmy Collins, a recently released ex-convict who discovers he can experience paranormal visions simply by touching other people. These unsettling glimpses pull him into a high-profile murder investigation, where he tries to help the police solve the case — even as he remains a suspect himself.

Who plays Jimmy Collins in Empathy?

Jimmy Collins, the troubled ex-con at the heart of the story, is played by Stephen Moyer. Moyer brings a grounded intensity to the role, balancing vulnerability and determination as a man struggling with an unwanted supernatural gift while navigating police suspicion.

Who directed the 2007 film Empathy?

Empathy was directed by David Richards. The film was produced by BBC and Carnival Films, two well-regarded British production outfits, lending the project a polished, atmospheric quality typical of quality British television drama of that era.

Is Empathy based on a true story?

No, Empathy is not based on a true story. It is an original supernatural thriller written by Steve Lightfoot, built around the fictional premise of a man who gains psychic abilities after leaving prison and becomes entangled in a murder case through his involuntary visions.

How does Jimmy's psychic ability work in Empathy?

Jimmy's ability is triggered by physical contact — whenever he touches another person, he experiences vivid paranormal visions connected to that individual. This psychometric power is both a curse and a tool, thrusting him into a murder investigation he never asked to be part of.

What genre is the film Empathy (2007)?

Empathy blends supernatural horror and thriller elements within a TV movie format. It sits comfortably in the tradition of British paranormal crime dramas, combining the tension of a police procedural with eerie, psychic-driven storytelling that keeps viewers guessing throughout.

How long is Empathy (2007)?

Empathy runs for 90 minutes, making it a tight, focused supernatural thriller. At an hour and a half, it delivers its mystery and paranormal tension without overstaying its welcome — a well-paced runtime for a TV movie of this genre.

What are some movies similar to Empathy (2007)?

If you enjoyed Empathy, you might like The Night Stalker (1972), a classic TV thriller with a similar investigative edge, or The Fair Haired Child (2006) for its horror atmosphere. No Good Deed (2020) and Body Brokers (2021) also offer comparable suspense and dark dramatic tension.

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