Nightmare (2023) – Review and Summary
Kjersti Helen Rasmussen’s “Nightmare” creates a creepy atmosphere, but has a more sleepy than scary execution.
“Nightmare” General Information
| Director | Kjersti Helen Rasmussen |
| Screenplay By | Kjersti Helen Rasmussen |
| Based On | N/A |
| Date Released (Shudder) | September 29, 2023 |
| Genre(s) | Horror
Non-English (Norwegian) |
| Film Length | 1 Hour, 40 Minutes |
| Content Rating | Not Rated |
| Noted Characters and Cast | |
| Mona | Elie Harboe |
| Robbie | Herman Tømmeraas |
Content Rating Explanation
“Nightmare” is not rated but contains profanity, sex, and disturbing images of violence.
Film Summary
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Kjersti Helen Rasmussen’s “Nightmare” is an appropriate yet vague title to describe what protagonist Mona (Elie Harboe) endures throughout the film. The Norwegian horror film conveys touches of psychological horror while flirting with haunted houses and demon shenanigans. The problem with “Nightmare” is that the movie flirts with so many intriguing horror premises but doesn’t commit itself to any of them.
In “Nightmare,” young couple Robbie (Herman Tømmeraas) and Mona (Elie Harboe) have bought their first place and are thrilled at the possibilities. Robbie is thriving in his job and wants to start a family soon, but Mona is less certain and occupies herself by furnishing the new apartment. Yet terror lingers for Mona as she begins to feel uneasy around their new neighbors, a cold couple with a constantly crying baby, and a frightening discovery about a possible murder that happened in their own apartment.
Mona soon starts to have vivid nightmares about sex and murder, but these nightmares quickly blur the line between Mona’s illusions and reality. She begins unknowingly harming herself, and while doctors can’t quite determine what’s happening, Mona becomes convinced an evil demon spirit has impregnated her. Robbie and Mona’s life together becomes strained and consumed by Mona’s horrific visions. The two are desperate to find some answers and a solution before the nightmares become deadly.
“Nightmare” is beautifully shot with dim lighting and shadows that creep into every corner of the screen. You feel the darkness of Mona’s world and can never guess what’s real or a nightmare. The movie is at its most interesting when delving into the paranoias of pregnancy and societal expectations to get married, get a job, and start a family. Unfortunately, the flaw of the scary movie “Nightmare” is that it’s rarely scary.
Other Noteworthy Information
- The movie is also titled “Marerittet,” after the name of the demon that haunts Mona’s dreams.
Character Descriptions
Please Note: This character guide is not an exhaustive list of every cast member, and character descriptions may contain what can be considered spoilers.
Mona
A young woman who’s supportive of her partner but unsure of her own path. While her boyfriend Robbie seems to know what he wants, Mona is left alone in the apartment and battles her own doubts and fears of the future. These fears increase when she lacks sleep and is haunted by horrid visions of babies and murder.
Robbie
A young man who’s enjoying buying his first place and excelling at his job, Robbie’s plans for the future take a terrible turn when his girlfriend becomes ill and starts harming herself. Robbie is frustrated by the lack of explanation for his partner’s illness but tries to support her.
Review
Our Rating: Mixed (Divisive)
Highlights
Ghoulish Lighting and Sound Design
You know a movie does well when a baby’s cry is used as a jump scare. Flies violently buzz throughout the film. Glitches and low, ominous hums put us in Mona’s sickly and delusional state. Mona’s nightmares may be filled with shadows and looming figures, but so is the couple’s actual apartment, pitting the viewer in an inescapable ghoulish setting. The lighting and sound design in “Nightmare” provide an excellent atmosphere for a horror film.
Low Points
It’s Just Not Scary
While the atmosphere is creepy, the actual horrors in “Nightmare” are unsatisfying. The movie doesn’t build much suspense or create much reasoning or mythology as to why Mona is experiencing this phenomenon. The film may have a modest budget, but it makes some confusing choices when the “demon” at the heart of its horror is a shirtless version of Robbie for most of the film.
On The Fence
“Nightmare” Stretches Itself Across Different Premises
You can see influences from more recognizable films in “Nightmare.” From “Nightmare on Elm Street” to “Rosemary’s Baby” to “The Conjuring,” the first act of the film keeps you guessing. Is the apartment haunted? Is there a possession? Is this all happening in Mona’s head? “Nightmare” remains ambiguous, which is fine for a horror movie, but it also may make viewers scratch their heads as to why hint at a haunted house and cultish neighbors without a satisfying explanation.
Who Is This For?
Fans of horror movies that involve pregnancy or young couples embarking on adulthood together might enjoy “Nightmare.”
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FAQs
Answers to some questions you may have regarding this movie:
The Reason The Movie Is Named “Nightmare”
“Nightmare” gets its name from Mona’s endless, terrible dreams.
Does “Nightmare” Setup A Sequel or Prequel?
No, “Nightmare” does not set up a sequel.
Does “Nightmare” Have A Mid-Credit or End Credit Scene?
No, “Nightmare” does not have a mid-credit or end-credit scene.
