Nightbreed
Nightbreed
A community of mutant outcasts of varying types and abilities attempts to escape the attention of a psychotic serial killer and redneck vigilantes with the help of a brooding young man who discovers them. Based on the novel "Cabal" by Clive Barker.
Matthias_812 reviewedApril 4, 2025
AVOID THE THEATRICAL CUT! The director's cut is like twenty minutes longer and allows the story to breathe. The problem upon release was Barker had more of a fantasy element to the picture whereas the studio wanted a slasher so literally they slashed the film down to make it appeal to that general audience but in doing that made the story an incoherent mess- leading to a critical bomb.
Nightbreed is a marvelous picture with masterwork practical effects. The monster designs are full of creativity and could pass as extras from Hellraiser or Star Wars. The film tiptoes that line of heavy fantasy yet still in major horror territory with heavy atmosphere notably established by Danny Elfman's film score. Worth noting David Cronenberg shows he's just as talented in front of the camera as behind as he brings to screen a truly messed up villain.
Nightbreed is definitely top three underrated horror titles out there. Give this some respect but only give the director's cut your time.