Movie Reviews

‘A Nightmare Wakes’ Review – The Truth We Never Knew

Logline:

An adaptation of the novel Frankenstein as told through the life of Mary Shelley. As she creates her masterpiece, she gives birth to a monster.

We often read about what influenced the creation of a great work of art, but how often is the muse as dark and haunting as the art itself? Some minds can go to a place that is so morbid that the only suitable place for those thoughts is some form of art; usually writing. Then there are those who are able to transform a personal tragedy into chilling stories and cautionary tales.

Nora Unkel’s A Nightmare Wakes is an eerie look into the mind and making of one of the most famous authors and novels of all time. Its gothic meets modern approach leads to ghastly visuals but if you’re looking for traditional scares, this is not the film for you. Nevertheless, this telling of Frankenstein is unique with it being written and lived out simultaneously. As many have read the novel or seen the movies, not many of us know the true meaning of what the undead monster symbolizes. It makes the subject matter that much more powerful, showcasing the truth we never knew. In turn, presenting us with a Mary Shelley we’ve never seen and rarely heard about. The film unfolds in the darkness and exposes its truths in the light. Its haunting score permeates like shadows during a sunset, its cinematography is intimate, and its cast is surprisingly and purposefully diverse. Unfortunately, as the film builds, it doesn’t get increasingly interesting until the latter half. Therefore, it may be hard for some to become invested initially. However, once you get over the hump, the film leaves a great impression. It took a minute but ultimately, I enjoyed A Nightmare Wakes. Its rewatchablity is medium.

Plot & Pace

When a pregnant Mary and her lover Percy attend a dinner party at a friend’s new domicile, it’s not long before a competition is suggested. Their friend is curious as to which of them can write the best scary story. With dreams and a mind full of darkness, it’s a challenge that Mary is already prepared for. As the days pass, her story as well as her reality takes a turn for the macabre as tragedy falls on her and her unborn child. As the novel becomes her new baby, she cares deeply about finishing it and will let nothing get in her way in order to do so.

The film is rather slow but as it progresses and reality begins to decay, the story’s pace picks up.

Characters & Chemistry

This film was engulfed by Alix Wilton Regan who plays Mary Shelley. Her drug-induced, eerie, hallucinogenic haze that manifests itself when it wants is definitely an attention grabber. It essentially results in her being secluded even while surrounded by people because reality has become blurred to the point of her living two lives at the same time. Regan is able to lose herself in this character and fully embraced the tortured and untethered soul that was Mary Shelley.

A Nightmare Wakes premiers February 4th on Shudder. Stay safe and enjoy.