This week in the crypt we take a look at the new Shudder Original, A Nightmare Wakes.

You can catch it on Shudder beginning this Thursday, February 4th!

By Adam Holtzapfel

Director Nora Unkel takes viewers on a 90 minute journey in this period piece taking an uncanny look at Mary Shelley creating Frankenstein.

The film has very bleak opening as we hear the movement of water and see a pregnant woman walking into the water as she and her unborn child drown.

From there we see Mary Shelley (Alix Wilton Regan), Percy Shelley (Giullian Yao Gioiello), and Claire Clairmont (Claire Glassford) as they head to Lord Byron’s (Philippe Bowgen).

Here we see the set up for the known story of the group being tasked to come up with a scary story and how Frankenstein come to be.

As Mary tries to come up with the story we see her life take various turns and emotional turmoil. We see flashes between real life and her dreams which is sure to make viewers question what is real.

What worked for me was Alix WIlton Regan’s emotional performance. She made you believe her portrayal or Mary Shelley as well as evoke feelings that run the gamut from elation to paranoia.

The film is also well acted and well lit. Some good fx work.

Where it may fall short for some A Nightmare Wakes is a drama tinged thriller instead of straight forward horror. Also the pacing could be problematic for those who do not like slow burns.

“And remember, if you feel a chill…that’s not the cold. You’re in the crypt!”