Sheila and the Brainstem
Synopsis
Somewhere in the American southwest, Taz, a nutty visionary, has temporarily misplaced the wizened dried-out Brainstem he found in a mysterious subterranean world -- which he believes is the key to immortality. Three rebellious punks, Sean, Head and Billy Dork, unknowingly steal it in the course of a convenience store robbery believing it to be a stick of beef jerky. Newlyweds Bruce and Sheila have the misfortune to stumble into the confrontation between Taz and the Punks. The punks kidnap Sheila as a hostage, Taz kidnaps Bruce as his hostage; the bizarre chase is on! The two "teams" race across a landscape of identical convenience stores, housing developments, and rampant consumerism.
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TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2026-06-15
Top Cast
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Release History & Theatrical Window
January 1, 1989
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$100K
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
Pending
Total global ticket sales
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Matt McDowell, Russell Bates
- Original Title
- Sheila and the Brainstem
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 52m
- Production Budget
- $100K
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Matt McDowell, Russell Bates
Department Leadership Roster
Matt McDowell
Director
Russell Bates
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
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Featured In Curated Collections
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1989
1989
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sheila and the Brainstem
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Sheila and the Brainstem about?
Somewhere in the American southwest, Taz, a nutty visionary, has temporarily misplaced the wizened dried-out Brainstem he found in a mysterious subterranean world -- which he believes is the key to immortality. Three rebellious punks, Sean, Head and Billy Dork, unknowingly steal it in the course of a convenience store robbery believing it to be a stick of beef jerky. Newlyweds Bruce and Sheila have the misfortune to stumble into the confrontation between Taz and the Punks. The punks kidnap Sheila as a hostage, Taz kidnaps Bruce as his hostage; the bizarre chase is on! The two "teams" race across a landscape of identical convenience stores, housing developments, and rampant consumerism.
Who directed Sheila and the Brainstem?
Sheila and the Brainstem was directed by Matt McDowell, Russell Bates.
Who stars in Sheila and the Brainstem?
The principal cast of Sheila and the Brainstem includes Lisa Jane Todd, Darren Harris, Milo Aukerman, Peter Case.
When was Sheila and the Brainstem released and how long is it?
Sheila and the Brainstem was released in 1989 with a total runtime of 1h 52m.