Watch Nightmare Alley

Bradley Cooper stars as Stanton Carlisle, a small-time carnival worker with big dreams of making it as a professional con artist. In Guillermo del Toro's atmospheric thriller "Nightmare Alley," Cooper delivers a mesmerizing performance as the slick and manipulative Carlisle, who will do whatever it takes to achieve his goals. The film is set in the dark and foreboding world of 1940s America, where greed, deception, and corruption abound. Carlisle's path to success leads him to a seedy world of con artists, grifters, and corrupt officials, where he must navigate dangerous alliances and betrayals in order to maintain his position.

Cate Blanchett plays the enigmatic and alluring psychologist Lilith Ritter, who becomes a key player in Carlisle's schemes. Toni Collette also stars as Zeena Krumbein, the sharp-minded and unscrupulous carnival performer who becomes Carlisle's mentor and partner in crime.

From its opening scenes, "Nightmare Alley" immerses viewers in a world of unsettling darkness and intrigue, with del Toro's signature blend of horror, suspense, and human drama. The film's stunning visuals, haunting score, and impeccable period details create a richly atmospheric and immersive experience that transports viewers to a time and place that feels both authentic and wholly fantastical.

As the story unfolds, Carlisle's ambition and desperation drive him to greater and more dangerous acts of deception, with dire consequences for himself and those around him. Blanchett's nuanced performance as Ritter adds an intriguing layer of psychological complexity to the film, as viewers are left wondering whether she is a key ally or a dangerous adversary.

Collette's Krumbein is also a standout, bringing a depth and complexity to her role as Carlisle's mentor and confidante. As the relationship between Carlisle and Krumbein evolves, the film explores themes of power, control, and the blurry lines between right and wrong.

Despite its often grisly subject matter, "Nightmare Alley" is a beautifully crafted and deeply moving film that draws viewers in with its haunting visuals, richly drawn characters, and intricate storytelling. With its powerhouse cast, stunning production design, and unparalleled direction by del Toro, it is sure to be one of the year's most talked-about films.

In short, "Nightmare Alley" is a masterful and unforgettable work of cinema that will leave its mark on viewers long after the credits have rolled.

Nightmare Alley is a 2021 thriller. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 70.