Nightbreed is a 1990 American dark fantasy horror film written and directed by Clive Barker. Features: David Cronenberg, Dough Bradley, Anne Bobby, Craig Sheffer, Hugh Quarshie, and Charles Haid.
The story follows Aaron Boone (Craig Sheffer) who dreams of Midian, a place of monsters. Boone seeks therapy from Dr. Decker (David Cronenberg), a masked serial killer. Decker develops a keen interest in Boone’s dreams and tricks Boone into taking responsibility for the murders he has committed. Decker also drugs Boone and asks him to turn himself in to the police.
When Boone is about to turn himself in, he is hit by a truck and taken to the hospital. In the hospital, he’s in the same room with a wacky guy who keeps talking about Midian, Boone’s fantasy world from his dream.
Boone escapes from the hospital and heads to Midian as instructed by Narcisse. In the middle it meets Kinsk and Peloquin. Boone claims to be a murderer, but Peloquin knows it is a lie, so he attacks him.
Boone escapes Median only to meet police officers who shoot him dead. Peloquin’s brings Boone back to life in the morgue and returns to Midian, where he is inducted into society by Nightbreed leader Dirk Lylesburg.
Lori’s (Anne Bobby) girlfriend Boones investigates Boone’s disappearance and also brings her to Midian. Lori meets a friendly monster named Rachel who tells her about the race of the night. According to Rachel, the Nightbreed is a group of creatures that hide underground after being hunted and killed by humans for many years.
Decker also finds his way to Median, where he leads an epic battle. Eventually the median is ruined, Decker dies, and Boone and Lori leave the median.
Nightbreed is one of the few films in which monsters are portrayed as more human than real humans. In the movie, the monsters want to be left alone and they want to live under a cemetery and raise their children without disturbing anyone.
The underlying message is that humans are sometimes more evil than monsters. This is played by Dr. Decker who despite his honorable and respected profession is a serial killer. He also goes to Median and causes war.
Upon the release of the film, she was greeted with mixed reactions. Critics argued that it is impossible for humans to be evil and that monsters have souls and love peace. On the other hand, moviegoers gave it high marks citing great gothic sets, stunning makeup, and a nightmare plot.
All in all, nightbreed is a great movie and if you like horror movies, this one will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat.