Released on December 17, 2021, Nightmare Alley is a psychological neo-noir thriller film by Guillermo del Toro, adapted from the novel by William Lindsay Gresham published in 1946. The film is a second adaptation after the 1947 version starring Tyrone Power. It follows the story of Stanton “Stan” Carlisle, an ambitious circus worker, as he learns to manipulate people and seeks fortune with his lover. He becomes a famous mentalist in the city, but trouble arises when his act of summoning spirits is exposed as a fraud.
The Plot
The film begins with Stan leaving his burned-down house with a corpse hidden under the floorboards. He then joins a circus as a laborer and works alongside Zeena, a fortune teller, and her alcoholic husband Pete, who teaches Stan how to manipulate people. The circus offers a way to capture “geeks” – alcoholics hired as freaks – by giving them opium to make them addicted and work as circus attractions. When Pete dies from drinking wood alcohol that was next to his moonshine, Stan leaves the circus with Molly, an electric shock performer.
Two years later, Stan has become a famous mentalist in New York City and is known as “The Great Stanton.” He meets Lilith Ritter, a psychologist, who he impresses with his ability to read her mind. Lilith is carrying Judge Kimball, who is grieving the loss of his son in the war. At first, Molly disapproves of Stan’s plan to help Kimball by performing a fake psychic reading, but Stan goes ahead and gets the information he needs from Lilith in exchange for a therapy session.
The Review
Nightmare Alley is a gripping film that explores the dark side of human nature through its complex characters. It also delivers an excellent performance from Bradley Cooper as Stanton, who gives depth to his character’s transformation from an ambitious circus worker to a successful mentalist driven by greed and greed only. Cate Blanchett shines as Lilith, the mysterious psychologist whose secrets add to the film’s intrigue.
The film’s cinematography is stunning, as it adds to the film’s moody, noir feel. The set design and costumes are also impressive, taking the audience back to the 1940s and immersing them in the world of circuses and mentalism.
The film’s pacing is slow, and it may not be suitable for viewers who prefer fast-paced, action-packed movies. However, Nightmare Alley’s compelling storytelling, coupled with its fantastic cast, makes it a must-watch for fans of the thriller genre.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Nightmare Alley is a well-crafted psychological thriller that delves into the darker aspects of human nature. Its complex characters, excellent performances, stunning visuals, and engaging plot make it a must-watch for fans of the genre. The film’s slow pacing may not be for everyone, but those who appreciate a well-told story will find Nightmare Alley to be a cinematic delight. So, if you’re looking for a film that will leave you on the edge of your seat, make sure to add Nightmare Alley to your must-watch list.
