Pesadilla

I didn't know what to expect when starting this film. I love a story that hooks you straight from the start, and this one does.

Early on, I thought I knew where it was going, but there were several twists and turns I didn't expect. Great performances from the entire cast with compelling dialogue and stories that worked well on their own in addition to weaving together seamlessly to convene for the finale.

And the finale-this film had me on the edge of my seat until the very end. I yelled and screamed at the TV in shock, and I'm thoroughly impressed with what I experienced and look forward to seeing it again.

My favorite work from Anglin, and it features my favorite characters he has written. The acting, the sound design, the cinematography, the score, the editing, and most of all the writing all shine in this production, and I enjoyed every second of it. The film builds towards an exciting climax that feels not only satisfying but as dark and messed up as the story suggests. That being said, the film blends horror with comedy so well, and I truly think this is the best writing I have seen from Anglin. His characters feel so fleshed out, and Gramps specifically feels like such a fully realized character. His monologue on the porch had me leaning back in horror and leaning in to hear more.

Additionally, I mentioned the editing earlier, and I just want to say again that I was never bored. The story is paced so well, and both sets of characters (the grieving family and the moonlight marauders) were so interesting that the story did not feel stilted when the story switched back and forth from one group to the other. Also, the editing at the climax of the film is excellent. And yeah, I mentioned it earlier too, but man did I enjoy the musical score. It felt both fitting and it carried suspense from scene to scene. Music should always complement a scene, and Álvaro Rodríguez Cabezas does just that.

In short, "Pesadilla" signals a bright future for Anglin, and it simultaneously inspires other filmmakers in Kentucky like me. Solid 8/10 for me, and I 10/10 recommend it. Shout out Mike Davis and Alexis Ward!

Tbh, most micro budget films are something along the lines of crime or chasing someone around with a knife. I couldn't help but get the same feeling as something like Primer, or Following. I mean this film makes a convincing (yet terrifying) point in regards to the Andy Griffith show which is something you don't see often on this scale, the "outrageous metaphors". Shocking moments, tough subject matter, a final 5 minutes that are admittedly more iconic than the actual film and iconic in itself. The grandpa character was extremely well written, and the performance was superb. I liked this film, it was different.

There's something so engaging and dangerous about a film that manages to come off this rabid while consistently keeping control and maintaining a legitimate creative voice toward a bigger end. I think an unfamiliar, unwilling eye might minimize what makes this great down into something comparable to intentional subversion because it's easier to say that than attempt to draw a challenged throughline for your own takeaways to stand on, but in my opinion, sifting through the thematic grief collage this film layers upon itself as it unspools, what's actually flowing through Pesadilla is so much more endearing than that. There's an emotional undercurrent carrying a lot of face-value cynicism in a way that basically forces its juxtaposition upon contact; think like a less clinical, more fleshy take on what Michael Haneke does. There's nothing one-dimensional here even if it tastes that way at first and Dylan Anglin obviously understands that there's no easy answers within this kind of subject material. It's not really a horror movie, it's a sweaty, manic, levitating broken thermometer pouring out its mercury and I love it for that. This is some DIY chaos magic renaissance'd from that late 90's miracle zone of indie filmmaking where risks got taken that are definitely not safe and the film CONSTANTLY benefits from it. The soundtrack, acting and adventurousness of the shot composition pretty substantially transcends the budget at all times and I would love to see what this man could do with a million bucks.

Pesadilla" is a haunting and atmospheric psychological thriller that delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche and mental health struggles. Directed by Dylan Anglin, this film grips viewers from the opening scene and refuses to let go until the credits roll. Anglin's direction is masterful, creating a palpable sense of tension and unease that permeates every frame. The cinematography is striking, with stark contrasts and clever use of light and shadow adding to the film's eerie atmosphere. The standout performance comes from veteran actor Mike Davis, whose portrayal of Gramps is both masterful and disturbing. Overall Pesadilla is a compelling story with chilling visuals including standout practical effects by Hunter Groves. Anglin proves himself to be a talent to watch in the world of indie horror, and Pesadilla is a promising film that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats, and with an uneasy feeling on the drive home.