Nightmares, released in theaters on September 9, 1983, is a cult classic that taps into the anxieties of the early 1980s with a series of four chilling short stories.
The film stars Emilio Estevez, Lance Henriksen, Cristina Raines, and Veronica Cartwright, who each lead their own terrifying tale.
The first segment, “Terror in Topanga,” follows a chain-smoking woman who ignores warnings and encounters a relentless slasher on the road.
The second, “The Bishop of Battle,” features a teenager obsessed with an arcade game who finds himself literally trapped inside it.
Emilio Estevez in Nightmares (Photo/Universal Pictures)
The third, “The Benediction,” is a deeply unsettling story about a priest who loses his faith and is hunted by a malevolent force in the desert.
Finally, “Night of the Rat” tells the story of a suburban family terrorized by an enormous, intelligent rat.
The film’s strength lies in its ability to connect with everyday fears and anxieties. Each segment explores a different type of modern horror, from the serial killer on the loose to the fear of technology consuming us, and the loss of faith and sanctity.
The film’s low-budget, gritty aesthetic, a hallmark of 1980s horror, adds to its unsettling atmosphere.
The performances are solid, with each actor bringing a unique emotional core to their character’s descent into terror.
Henriksen is particularly memorable as the tormented priest, and Estevez’s performance as the video game fanatic is a great snapshot of the era’s obsession with arcade culture.
Reception for Nightmares
Nightmares grossed $2.6 million on its opening weekend, finishing third at the box office behind Mr. Mom ($4.7 million) and Risky Business ($3.3 million).
The film would gross $6.7 million in its theatrical run.
Legacy
The legacy of Nightmares is that of a compelling and underrated anthology film and while it may not be as well-known as some of its contemporaries, it holds a special place in the hearts of horror fans who appreciate its creative, well-executed concepts and its connection to the anxieties of the time.
The film’s vignettes have influenced later horror shorts and TV shows, and its themes of technology and fear remain relevant even today. It stands as a testament to the power of a good premise and a skilled cast, proving that you don’t need a huge budget to make a truly frightening movie.
