Big franchise, over-the-top horror movies are meant to be watched, marveled at, and adored with friends. Things would be even better in theaters, but it’s nearly 40 years from release, and a late night discord watch with my #1 Horror Homie brought A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master to heights I didn’t think I’d get to. Something must’ve been in the air, as I’ve got a new Freddy franchise favorite, and in the process have realized that A Nightmare on Elm Street may be my favorite overall horror property.

In The Dream Warriors, thematically, things began to feel as if the writers, director, actors, effects team, and composers began nailing the playfully gory tone and aesthetic Nightmare is beloved for, and in The Dream Master they’re in lockstep again; delivering a horror masterpiece in the process. Renny Harlin’s campy action style (see: Die Hard 2 & Deep Blue Sea) paired with Screaming Mad George’s timelessly psychedelic, practical effects, and an excellent darkwave 80’s score strikes a balance that feels tailor made to my favorite aesthetics. 

Harlin actually builds enough backstory, and personality to his characters, we actually end up invested in their plight, neuroses, and struggles. And every death being tied into its victim’s fears gives a thoughtful touch to their demise mostly lacking in mainstream horror fare. My girl Debbie might have the single greatest death I’ve seen in film. Just… go watch it if you’re even remotely a fan of franchise horror and practical effects, and I swear you won’t be disappointed. 

Beyond all we’ve already highlighted, Steven Fierberg adds a surprisingly admirable touch of cinematography with a handful of shot setups. The gurney cam. A couple hallway shots. The Manhunter harkening color palette. The Dream Master offered a rare time I found myself taking notes about a non NEON or A24 horror movie’s photography… and I ate it up (maybe it was the 🍃💨 idk). 

I expected to write a one paragraph mini-review around A Nightmare on Elm Street 4, but sometimes the strangest things can inspire. God I loved this so much!

“How’s this for a wet dream?!”
🩸💉🍕🪳🛌💤