Watch The Nightmare

The Nightmare (Der Nachtmahr) is a German movie that blends horror, coming-of-age, and drama to chronicle the dark journey of Tina, a teenaged girl, who is haunted by a sinister creature named "Der Nachtmahr" after she attends a wild party with her friends. The movie stars Carolyn Genzkow as Tina and Kim Gordon, the lead singer of the iconic band Sonic Youth, as her mother.

The film begins with a frenzied rave with pounding techno music and pulsating neon lights. Tina and her friends dance the night away, getting drunk, and taking drugs. Suddenly, a bizarre creature with a bulbous head and glowing eyes appears. It seems to be observing Tina from a distance but eventually gets closer, beckoning her to come near.

Tina is terrified by the creature and flees the scene, but she starts experiencing disturbing visions, and the creature seems to be everywhere. She tries to explain her experiences to her mother, her friends, and her therapist, but nobody believes her, and they all dismiss her as being delusional.

The movie takes the viewer on a wild ride through Tina's mind as she struggles with her fear, feelings of isolation, and her identity as a young woman. She starts seeing the creature in her dreams, and it becomes unclear whether the creature is a figment of her imagination or a real monster that is haunting her.

As Tina's mental state deteriorates, she finds solace in a mysterious and reclusive classmate named Teufel (played by Wilson Gonzales Ochsenknecht) who seems to have a connection to the creature. Tina and Teufel form a bond, and he helps her face her fears and deal with her trauma.

The Nightmare is a visually stunning movie that uses an inventive editing style to convey Tina's mental state. The film's director, Achim Bornhak, creates a vivid and surreal atmosphere that immerses the viewer in Tina's world. The movie's sound design is also excellent, with the pulsating techno beats adding to the tension and unease that permeates the film.

The performances of the cast are stellar, with Carolyn Genzkow offering a nuanced and captivating portrayal of Tina. Kim Gordon is also excellent in her role as Tina's mother, a character who is struggling to understand and connect with her daughter. Wilson Gonzales Ochsenknecht brings a mysterious and brooding presence to his role as Teufel.

The themes of The Nightmare are deep and thought-provoking, exploring the challenges of adolescence, mental health, and the fears that haunt us. The movie is a coming-of-age story that is raw, honest, and empathetic. Tina's journey is one that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt lost, scared, or alone.

In conclusion, The Nightmare (Der Nachtmahr) is an immersive and captivating movie that combines elements of horror, coming-of-age, and drama to create a unique and thought-provoking experience. The movie's stunning visuals, sound design, and performances make it a must-watch for fans of German cinema and anyone looking for a powerful and emotional story.