How 'Nightmare' Weaponizes Dreams Better Than Freddy Krueger

Nightmare finds its etymological roots in the Old English word "maere," meaning "incubus," evolving through Middle English to describe a distressing dream experience. The Shudder Original film ‘Nightmare’ cleverly intertwines this concept with the haunting phenomenon of sleep paralysis, where individuals awaken unable to move or speak, often accompanied by terrifying hallucinations. In the film, Mona (played by Eili Harboe) suffers from relentless nightmares involving a demonic manifestation of her boyfriend, escalating her psychological torment.

Beyond its horror elements, ‘Nightmare’ allegorically explores the challenges women face in accessing abortions and maintaining control over their bodies. Mona's struggle with sleep paralysis mirrors the exhaustion, fear, helplessness, and isolation she experiences in her waking life. Moving into a new apartment with her boyfriend, Robby (Herman Tømmeraas), initially seems like a fresh start, but Mona's nightmares intensify, echoing the narrative beats of a possession story. As her dreams become more sinister and she discovers an unwanted pregnancy, Mona's decision to seek an abortion becomes a pivotal plot point, further complicating her already fraught emotional state.

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The film critiques societal pressures and stereotypes surrounding women's reproductive choices. Mona encounters resistance from a dismissive doctor who minimizes her decision, reflecting broader societal attitudes that undermine women's autonomy. Robby's reaction to the pregnancy adds another layer of tension, highlighting communication breakdowns and power dynamics within their relationship. Symbolically, Mona's sleep paralysis demon, taking Robby's form, embodies her feelings of powerlessness and lack of control in both her personal and medical decisions.

As Mona grapples with the psychological and supernatural forces plaguing her, ‘Nightmare’ draws parallels to classic horror tropes, such as ‘Rosemary's Baby’, where pregnancy becomes a vessel for malevolent forces. 

The film's narrative builds steadily towards a climactic confrontation, emphasizing Mona's journey towards reclaiming agency over her body and mind. Through innovative storytelling and thematic depth, ‘Nightmare’ explores the profound and often isolating struggles women face in asserting their reproductive rights and navigating societal expectations.

–Farheen Ali