Shudder Sunday: Nightman (2023)

Though it stumbles and may not satisfy horror purists, “Nightman” makes up for its flaws with strong visuals and a potent final act.

Nightman unfolds its narrative in a familiar setting. Still, it quickly veers into a suspenseful journey that will captivate viewers and keep them on the edge of their seats with unpredictable twists and turns.

The film opens with Alex (Zara Devlin) in a therapy session, recounting a haunting nightmare. The scene then shifts to her and her husband, Damian (Mark Huberman), driving through the serene Irish countryside, setting the stage for a plot brimming with uncertainty and intrigue.

Alex has just learned she’s pregnant. She and her husband were called from England to Ireland so he could act as a guardian to his mother while taking care of paperwork related to his mother’s estate.

Alex is plagued by a nightmare about her father killing her mother; at least, she thinks it’s a nightmare. Her unease is intensified with the move to Ireland, a land of myth and legend, and the looming cloud of secrets surrounding Damian and his estranged mother, as well as the mystery of his deceased sister, Lily.

Devlin (Small Things Like These, The Other Lamb) carries the weight of Nightman‘s intricate plot. She convincingly portrays a young woman striving to unravel the truth about the terrifying events surrounding her, drawing us into her struggle to discern between the paranormal and the psychological.

Director Mélanie Delloye co-wrote the tale with Elsa Marpeau, and there is clearly an attempt to lean into the horror aspects.

However, there simply isn’t enough gnarly meat on the bones, and the film barely classifies as a psychological thriller. That doesn’t mean it’s not compelling, but it may turn off seasoned horror fans.

Delloye tries to connect the Irish legend of the Banshee to the plot by relaying a story about Damian’s twin ancestors. One was good, and one was evil. His great-grandmother sacrificed one of the twins to the Banshee so they wouldn’t both die.

There’s a compelling hook here, but disjointed plotlines fail to connect to the overarching story, and the film struggles to maintain its narrative pull.

On the positive side, the story’s setting—an abode nestled at the foot of an ancient castle—provides a picturesque backdrop to the unfolding mystery. The lush green hills and eerie mists that roll across the landscape create a haunting atmosphere, drawing you deep into the world of the film. Thanks to the striking visuals, I remained fully immersed and captivated.

Huberman, as Damian, is adept at creating an aura of menace without physical response. He quietly conveys a sense of danger that creates a tense atmosphere.

The score is as eerie and mystical as the land itself and just as subtly foreboding. It tells us when something is amiss but requires you to pay close attention. Though the pace is uneven and the scares are scarce, there’s a solid enough story to keep you invested.

A satisfying and unpredictable ending ensures the film ends with a resounding bang; it’s well worth sticking around for.