Nightbreed (1990)

Director: Clive Barker

Starring: Craig Sheffer, David Cronenberg, Anne Bobby

A troubled young man is drawn to a mythical place called Midian where a variety of friendly monsters are hiding from humanity. Meanwhile, a sadistic serial killer is looking for a patsy.

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this film, and whether I would actually enjoy it. The draw-card (for me) was Clive Barker, so I decided to give it a go.

Glad I did! Admittedly, the film is weird. Very weird. The idea of monsters being the good guys might also be an unusual concept – with humans as the antagonists. It actually works very well. Humans are inclined to destroy everything they touch, and their ego convinces them the world revolves around them, and they can make and break as it so pleases them.

The make-up and practical effects are incredible! Some of the monsters look like they’ve stepped off a ‘Hellraiser’ set. Ah, speaking of Hellraiser, Doug Bradley (Hellraiser’s Pinhead) is here as well, although you won’t recognize him… Craig Sheffer was also well cast as the film’s hero, and in this instance the love story was effective.

The Production Design is fantastic! As the film progressed, it became increasingly captivating, and built to a magnificent climax. ‘Nightbreed’ was so much better than expected. I actually thoroughly enjoyed it.

Clive Barker won several awards as Director. ‘Nightbreed’ was also nominated for Best Horror, Best Film, Best Make-Up.

Would I watch it again? Yes.