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Coherence

Coherence is a 2013 American science fiction psychological thriller film written and directed by James Ward Byrkit in his directorial debut.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Coherence is a 2013 American science fiction psychological thriller film written and directed by James Ward Byrkit in his directorial debut. The film follows a group of friends whose dinner party is disrupted by strange events after a comet passes nearby. It premiered at Fantastic Fest on September 19, 2013.

Plot

The film concerns eight friends at a dinner party who experience unsettling events after a comet passes near Earth. As the night progresses, the group confronts disruptions that alter their understanding of reality and one another.

Production

Coherence was written and directed by James Ward Byrkit and is widely described as his first feature film as director. Sources also identify Lene Bausager as producer and Bellanova Films and Ugly Duckling Films as production companies.

Release

The film had its world premiere at Fantastic Fest on September 19, 2013. It was later released in Germany on December 25, 2014, according to German-language coverage.

Reception

The film has been described in reviews as an inventive, low-budget science fiction thriller with psychological and mystery elements. Major review aggregators list it as a science fiction, mystery, and thriller film.

Key facts

  • James Ward Byrkit wrote and directed the film as his directorial debut.
  • The story centres on a dinner party affected by a comet passing close to Earth.
  • Emily Foxler is identified in sources as the lead actor.
  • The film is described as a science fiction thriller or psychological thriller.
  • It premiered at Fantastic Fest in Austin on September 19, 2013.

Frequently asked questions

What is Coherence about?
It follows a dinner party that becomes increasingly strange after a comet passes close to Earth, leading the guests to question reality.
Who directed Coherence?
James Ward Byrkit directed the film.
When was Coherence released?
It premiered on September 19, 2013, at Fantastic Fest.
What genre is Coherence?
It is described as a science fiction and psychological thriller, with mystery elements in some listings.
Who stars in Coherence?
Sources identify Emily Foxler as the lead, and list Maury Sterling, Nicholas Brendon, and others among the cast.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coherence_(film)
    Supports: 2013 American science fiction psychological thriller; directed and written by James Ward Byrkit; lead premise and premiere date.
  2. Wikipedia (French) — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coherence_(film,_2013)
    Supports: Director, writers, genre, and 2013 release information.
  3. Wikipedia (German) — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coherence_(Film)
    Supports: Premiere date and later German release information.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2866360/
    Supports: Cast, plot synopsis, director, and writer credits.
  5. British Film Institute — https://www.bfi.org.uk/film/31d83ef6-411e-5424-9d24-df47b2cdf60e/coherence
    Supports: Director, producer, writer, and cast information.
  6. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/coherence_2013
    Supports: Genre classification, synopsis, runtime, production companies, and release information.
  7. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/coherence-2014
    Supports: Critical description of the film’s style and premise.