A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET

When I first started exploring the horror genre in 7th grade, I wanted to watch anything I could, except for the ELM STREET series… Something about Freddy Krueger haunted me more than any other monster or serial killer. I was convinced that if I watched one, I would essentially be giving him a gateway to my dreams. I suppose it’s funny how irrational fears can exist no matter your age or how mature you consider yourself. Well, in 8th grade, I decided it was finally time to build up all the courage I could find and watch Freddy in action. I was terrified beyond measure and felt I was sealing my fate the second I pressed play. Little did I know that an hour and a half later, when the credits rolled, I would have found my favorite horror film ever made.

I hold so much love for the 1984 film A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET. It checks every box for what a perfect ’80s horror film should be. I love horror because I crave the creativity that can unfold when all barriers come down, and people can be as crazy as they want. This film is incredibly inventive on a technical level. The kills and special effects have stuck with me since the first time I watched it. Most are so corny and so deeply ’80s that you can’t help but laugh at them, but each one feels like a one-of-a-kind trick. Something that could only be done for this film. You don’t see kills and disasters portrayed as brilliantly as they are here. It’s wonderfully messy and always reminds me of the human passion behind film that draws me to this medium.

A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET creates an ambiance that will forever capture the era it came from. When people say, “I love ’80s horror,” it’s nearly impossible not to discuss the impact this film had on the decade and the genre as a whole. It’s unintentionally silly and over the top in all the best ways. But it has that sinister feeling nonetheless… As dramatic as it might be, you really connect with the panic these characters feel and get a great look into this universe. It feels genuinely hopeless at times, as you go on the journey with Nancy (my favorite leading girl in horror, portrayed by none other than the beautiful and wonderfully talented Heather Langenkamp). You have to suspend a lot of disbelief with this film, and that’s why it’s so great. It’s awesome when a movie just lets you have a good time. While it deals with serious themes, it knows when to lean into the comical aspects and make the moments big.

We will never get another film like A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, but we can credit it with influencing so many films across the genre.