Pesadilla

I'm going to say right off the bat-would I watch this film again? Maybe, but not for a while. That said, I was not expecting it to go where it did. I'm leaving this review because right now, future filmmakers are on platforms like Tubi and Amazon, and there will always be trolls who leave low ratings just to be trolls. But I understand what this film was going for, and I can see how it could be exactly what someone is looking for-especially if they go in with no expectations.

To be honest, I probably would've landed right in the middle on this film if it weren't for the last 15 minutes. That final stretch burned away any preconceived ideas I had, making the rest of the film that much more enjoyable in hindsight. My biggest fear while watching was that it would lead to some kind of shootout between the grandpa and the intruders-but it wasn't. IT WASN'T. And I was relieved.

Quite frankly, I don't see how anyone could give this film lower than a five. Sure, not everything will resonate with everyone, but at an hour and 52 minutes, it feels shorter than its runtime and introduces some of the most unique themes I've ever seen in a film this small in scale. It features sinister dialogue-including a bizarre yet compelling reference to The Andy Griffith Show-a whole therapy technique developed specifically for one character that drives the narrative, family subject matter most films wouldn't dare to touch, horrifying imagery, and dialogue that, while sometimes odd, honestly made me chuckle.

This film is by no means perfect, and again, I don't know when I'd rewatch it, but it's undeniably a singular vision. Films like this don't deserve a one-star rating just because someone's in a bad mood. There's definitely room for improvement, but I applaud the filmmakers for actually trying to create something unique in today's climate. It probably could have been executed a bit better, but if I were the director, I'd make sure to go all in from now on-bringing in people with the same passion and expertise to elevate the craft.

Also, the soundtrack? It kind of rocks. At times, it sounds like something out of old Hollywood rather than the same synthetic cues we hear in most films of this scale.

I didn't love this film, but I also didn't hate it. More than anything, I respect it.

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.

There really isn't another film like PESADILLA. Bizarre and unpredictable, and the characters are outlandish and fun. Dylan Anglin's made some other short films and they all have twists and turns and are funky. Kapadia's character is particularly weird and off-kilter. What's amazing is how a film like this can be brought o life on such a minimal budget. This would've been very difficult even 20 years ago. It's nice the film is available on several platforms, as more films like this should be given attention. So, if you're ready to step away from the usual Hollywood pap and slow-burn blah blah, jump in. Highly recommended!

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.

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!