Title: American Nightmares
Release Date: 2018
Introduction:"American Nightmares" is a 2018 horror anthology launched by Patriot Pictures and directed by Rusty Cundieff and Darin Scott. The film mirrors the style of the 1995 film "Tales from the Hood" which was also directed by the duo. This dark funny horror includes dreadful episodes interwoven with satirical commentary on the social environment of the United States.
Plot Details:The film focuses on 2 hacking contest finalists who hack into a network broadcast of long-dormant web series "American Nightmares". The network is managed by a maniacal serial killer, Mr. Malevolent, played by Danny Trejo. Mr. Malevolent, who operates from his macabre dungeon, controls his victims using interactive video traps. To the hackers, these morbid tales appear like episodes of the web series. They delve deep into a gruesome world filled with social ills such as bigotry, greed, vanity, and prejudice.
Stories:The movie is made up of 7 diverse stories, each exposing American nightmares in varied categories such as scary, science fiction, and crime. The cumulative effect produces a genre-bending commentary on the inefficient American society. The independent tales run around 15 minutes each, providing viewers with a series of succinct yet chilling stories.
The stories consist of "Ma", a troubling tale about an African American woman founded guilty of murder, telling her side of the story. "The Samaritan" and "Hate Radio" spotlight racism in different shapes, one through an encounter between a good Samaritan and a racist cop, and the other through a radio host prompting hatred.
"Finsta" takes a look at the perception of charm standards and how far people are willing to go to attain it. "Mates" is a twisted story about an online dating site that brings together 2 surprisingly comparable individuals. "White Flight" is a futuristic tale about a white guy dealing with the severe truths of what it is like to be a minority. Finally, "Ella Rae Peck" examines the mishandlings of cases involving black accuseds by police.
Production and Performance:Rusty Cundieff and Darin Scott handle to keep the structure of the film fluid, ensuring that the shift in between stories does not disrupt the overall flow. Performance-wise, the cast does a commendable job, with Danny Trejo incredibly embodying the cooling and nefarious character of Mr. Malevolent.
Important Reception:"American Nightmares" triggered a combined response from critics. While some appreciated its adventurous approach to highlight the deep-rooted inconsistencies in American society, others slammed the motion picture for its uneven direction and irregular tone. Nevertheless, what makes "American Nightmares" stand apart is its attempt to spoof the horrors of the real world through overstated tales, consequently challenging social norms in a special and scary circumstance.
Conclusion:In conclusion, "American Nightmares" functions as a reflection of the society's headaches. Although it circulates within the world of dark scary comedy, it handles to question morality and the difficult truths of society. It attempts to depict the severe truths that lie under the exterior of the American dream, making it more than simply another scary flick.
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