Pesadilla

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.

When you see high ratings for an indie with a sub-100 view count, you can be forgiven when your bs detector starts to hum a little.

I think they're warranted in this case. I'm not offended by friends & family showering this with 5s or whatever.

Because it's really something else.

It's loaded with loopy characters & fun performances. Has a scene with a hot tattooed girl in her underwear. No nudity though. It has an absurd ending that made me kinda happy. Whoever made this didn't just throw a bunch of nonsense at the wall & hoped that some of it would stick. He's got a real sense of humor & timing, i think.

My only major criticism is that it's a touch too long. If it was 90m, i'd be truly piping hot on it instead of highly keen.

Good one, nevertheless. Worth a watch if you're looking for something small & silly & a little baffling.

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.

After watching a bunch of Anglin's short films I was very excited to check out his feature film and I wasn't disappointed.

You will not be able to figure out where this film is heading no matter how hard you try. It takes a lot of unexpected twists and turns without compromising the narrative. Some great acting performances and had multiple jaw-dropping moments that left me stunned.

For anyone who loves independent film and seeing a unique vision brought to screen by someone who truly cares, this is for you.

In today's world, you don't see many films that take these kinds of risks and explore such unique ideas & themes. Truly a one-of-a-kind film that I think everybody should watch!

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.