Watch Nightmares

Nightmares is a 1983 horror anthology film directed by Joseph Sargent. The movie is a compilation of four stories that explore the fears that haunt us even in our sleep. The movie is an interesting mix of horror, sci-fi, and fantasy elements that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The first story, titled "Terror in Topanga," follows Lisa (Cristina Raines) as she drives on a deserted road in Topanga Canyon. She runs out of gas, and when she tries to call for help, she realizes that her car phone is dead. As she explores the area, she comes across a gas station that seems to be out of business. When she asks for directions from the creepy attendant (Anthony James), things take a sinister turn, and Lisa is forced to confront her deepest fears.

The second story, titled "The Bishop of Battle," follows J.J. (Emilio Estevez), a video game addict. He's obsessed with playing an arcade game called "The Bishop of Battle" and is determined to reach the final level. When he finally does, he discovers that the game has become a portal to a terrifying otherworldly dimension.

The third story, titled "The Benediction," follows Steven (Lance Henriksen), a priest who's lost his faith. When he's forced to officiate at the funeral of a young boy, he's haunted by the boy's ghost, and his faith is put to the ultimate test.

The final story, titled "Night of the Rat," follows Claire (Veronica Cartwright) as she prepares a late-night snack for her family. When she discovers a rat in her kitchen, she sets out to catch it, but the rat seems to be smarter than she thinks. As the night progresses, Claire becomes increasingly paranoid and starts to question her sanity.

Each of the four stories in Nightmares is unique and explores different themes related to fear, anxiety, and the unknown. The movie is a masterclass in suspense and terror, and the talented cast delivers outstanding performances that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

Cristina Raines, best known for her role in the horror classic The Sentinel, delivers a powerful performance as Lisa. Her fear and desperation are palpable and make the first story a memorable one. The chemistry between Raines and Anthony James, who plays the creepy gas station attendant, is electric and adds an extra layer of tension to the story.

Emilio Estevez, who was already a rising star at the time, delivers a charismatic performance as J.J. His portrayal of a gaming addict is convincing, and his descent into madness is one of the highlights of the movie. The special effects used to create the video game world are impressive, considering the movie was made in the early 80s.

Lance Henriksen, who has become a staple of the horror genre, delivers a nuanced performance as the conflicted priest. His journey from disbelief to redemption is emotional and powerful and will leave a lasting impression on viewers.

Finally, Veronica Cartwright, who is best known for her roles in The Birds and Alien, delivers a harrowing performance as Claire. Her transformation from a rational woman to a paranoid wreck is disturbing and makes the final story a fitting end to the movie.

Overall, Nightmares is a must-see for any horror fan. The movie's mix of horror, sci-fi, and fantasy elements make it a unique entry in the genre, and the talented cast delivers outstanding performances. Though the movie is over 30 years old, it still holds up today and is a testament to the enduring power of horror.