Nightmare Alley (2021)

Director: Guillermo del Toro

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Toni Collette, Willem Dafoe

A grifter working his way up from low-ranking carnival worker to lauded psychic medium matches wits with a psychiatrist bent on exposing him.

‘Nightmare Alley’ is a remake of the 1947 film of the same name. This is a modernized version with beautiful visuals.

Bradley Cooper stars as Stan, a drifter who starts working at a travelling carnival. ‘Nightmare Alley’ quite simply is a movie experience. Its difficult reviewing it without spoilers. The film took so many turns I wasn’t always sure where it was leading – in a good way!! This film is so unpredictable, it had me on the edge of my seat. Bradley Cooper is absolutely fantastic! He owned every scene he was in. Cate Blanchett was also excellent as Dr Lilith Ritter, a character whose intentions were not always clear, making her an antagonist for this reason alone.

Even after 2½ hours I didn’t want the movie to end. This was captivating from beginning to end and I was completely consumed by the characters and their endeavors. ‘Nightmare Alley’ is an unforgettable, enthralling masterpiece from one of my favourite directors, Guillermo del Toro.

‘Nightmare Alley’ received 116 award nominations (including 4 Oscar Nominations – Best Film, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Cinematography), winning 20 so far.

Would I watch it again? Yes.