Nightmare (2022)
Nightmare (2022), directed by Kjersti Helen Rasmussen, is a chilling psychological horror film that explores the terrifying intersection of motherhood and supernatural terror. The story follows Mona, a young woman who, after moving into a new apartment with her partner Robby, begins to experience intense nightmares. These vivid dreams, involving a mysterious figure resembling Robby but with a disturbing and sinister presence, quickly escalate in intensity. The situation worsens when Mona learns about a tragic event involving their neighbors, where a baby dies under eerie circumstances.
As Mona’s nightmares grow more vivid and seem to bleed into her waking life, she becomes increasingly convinced that a demonic entity from her dreams is targeting her unborn child. The film delves deep into themes of antenatal anxiety, exploring the pressures of impending motherhood and the fears that accompany it. The couple’s relationship is tested as Mona struggles with her paranoia, while Robby’s responses grow more dismissive, adding an element of psychological tension.
Rasmussen skillfully blends elements of supernatural horror with psychological drama, creating a narrative that keeps the audience questioning whether the terror is truly supernatural or a product of Mona’s psychological breakdown. The film’s unsettling atmosphere, combined with powerful performances, especially from lead actress Eili Harboe, makes Nightmare a deeply unsettling exploration of fear and control