Watch A Nightmare Wakes
- NR
- 2020
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3.7 (359)
A Nightmare Wakes from 2020 is a horror movie based on the life of Mary Shelley, the author of the classic Gothic horror novel Frankenstein. Directed by Nora Unkel, the movie delves into Shelley's troubled personal life and how it inspired her to write one of the most enduring horror stories of all time. The movie begins with Mary (played by Alix Wilton Regan) eloping with the poet Percy Shelley (Giullian Yao Gioiello) and their subsequent move to a remote villa in Italy. Mary is grappling with the loss of her infant daughter and the disappointment of her father, who disapproves of her relationship with Percy. Mary is also plagued by vivid nightmares that depict disturbing images of corpses and other macabre scenes.
As Mary tries to cope with her personal demons, she begins to write what would become her magnum opus, Frankenstein. However, as her writing progresses, her nightmares become more intense and vivid, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. Mary starts to believe that the monster from her book is stalking her and slowly driving her to madness.
A Nightmare Wakes skillfully blends elements of historical drama and horror, creating a gripping story that keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats. The movie does an excellent job of portraying Mary's troubled psyche and the events in her life that influenced her writing. Alix Wilton Regan delivers a powerful performance, bringing both vulnerability and strength to her portrayal of Mary.
The movie's horror elements are equally well-executed, with Unkel using practical effects and eerie sound design to create a sense of dread and suspense. The nightmarish imagery that Mary experiences is both unsettling and visually striking, and the tension slowly builds up to a satisfying climax.
A Nightmare Wakes also features strong supporting performances from Giullian Yao Gioiello, who infuses Percy Shelley with a charismatic charm that makes him a fitting foil to Mary's intensity. Meanwhile, Claire Glassford, in the role of Mary's step-sister Claire Clairmont, embodies a sense of playful mischief that adds a lightness to the movie's darker moments.
Overall, A Nightmare Wakes is a well-crafted horror movie that pays homage to the legacy of one of literature's greatest horror writers. It is a movie that will appeal to fans of the genre, as well as those who appreciate historical drama and the creative process. Unkel's direction is confident and assured, and the movie is a testament to the enduring power of Mary Shelley's imagination.
A Nightmare Wakes is a 2020 thriller. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.7.