Nightmare is a psychological horror and thriller movie. Mona (Eilie Harbor, star of the film Thelma) and Robby, a young couple deeply entwined in love. Robby’s dream job is finally within reach, and they stumble upon a remarkable deal for a spacious apartment. Despite its faded glory, this opportunity holds immense potential. Mona is also on her way to reaching her career goals, however, as they settle into their new home, it becomes the obvious choice that now would be a good time to start a family. This way Mona can concentrate on their new investment.
Man, The Ultimate Threat and Nightmare
In today’s society, it is disheartening to witness the persistence in parts of the globe where individuals disregard a woman’s autonomy when it comes to important life decisions. Especially those, including matters concerning her own body. The expectation surrounding having children and their primary caregiver has been the topic of plenty of films.
Writer and director, Helen Rasmussen has chosen this very pinnacle to highlight that once pregnant, Mona finds herself trapped in a distressing cycle. As her life becomes stuck on autopilot, Mona’s nights are plagued with escalating night terrors that mirror the intensity of her new fears. In a world full of backlash against a woman’s agency, the struggle for independence often extends into her dreams.
Mona dutifully makes an effort to create a warm and inviting space. With her husband busy with work, Mona takes on the challenge of renovating her home all by herself. She obsessively peels back the sheets of wallpaper, unintentionally nesting. The apartment’s history is reduced to copious surface layers, each revealing a story about their new home.
Mona becomes enmeshed in her environment, listening to tenants argue, watching their movements, and becoming increasingly suspicious. However, she also becomes adamant, that there is an evil spirit lurking about. What’s more, it wants her unborn child. Mona is tormented by the haunting creature in her dreams, described as a menacing presence that weighs heavily on her chest and scrabbles at the walls.
Is This NightMare Apartment Haunted?
Robby (Herman Tømmeraas, Ragnarok TV series) is happy and hopeful while he imagines a bright and beautiful future alongside his newly found family. His joyful enthusiasm strikes a mirror opposite discord and a change in Mona’s dreams. Her Nightmares take a sinister turn. The choice about whether Mona’s sanity is under threat is as prevalent as believing there are real evil forces (Blackcoat’s Daughter, The Babadook) at play.
But the narrative quashes most of the title’s supernatural tendencies. Mona’s demon looks exactly like her husband. Her unborn child represents the loss of identity and a demon wanting to take it from her is the least of her problems.
“Nightmare” explores powerful themes, including the challenges of postpartum psychosis, the unyielding pressure on women to conform, the unleashing of female rage, and the fervor of cult-like dynamics.
Essentially, Nightmare is a “pregnancy horror movie” with strong missives about what happens when we give up our dreams. Sometimes they turn into nightmares.
“Nightmare” is rated
2.5 You can’t control me out of 5
Sleep Paralysis in “Marerittet”
“Sleep paralsis is when we are trapped between dream and reality”
Quote from the movie “Nightmare” with the defintiion of what Sleep Paralysis is.
The film is presented in Norwegian with English subtitles. “Nightmare” will be available to stream on Shudder and AMC+. The title was produced by Einar Loftesnes and John Einar Hagen.
What is The Mare?
The Mare is a feminine nightmare spirit. A Northern European folklore tale about a demon known for “riding” sleeping victims in their sleep.
Shudder’s “Nightmare” Horror Movie Trailer
Watch Shudder and AMC Networks’ trailer for the psychological thriller, “Nightmare.” Directed by Kjersti Helen Raasmussen. You can watch the Nightmare also known as “Marerittet” on September 29, 2023.
The sound design in this film adds another focal point for the narrative and was put together by Martin Smoge.
The cast for the NightMare film 2023 includes Eili Harboe, Herman Tømmeraas and, Dennis Storhøi.
