Bradley Cooper takes over a role previously played by Tyrone Power (from 1948) as "Stanton Carlisle," portraying a clever young man who travels with various shows, always looking for an opportunity. That chance arises when he connects with Toni Collette’s “Zeena,” who teaches him the methods used in their mentalist performances. They begin deceiving prominent people—and that's when he encounters "Dr. Ritter" (Cate Bl…

Guillermo del Toro has established himself as a filmmaker known for movies featuring fantastical creatures—things like the Pale Man, the Crimson Woman, and a fish man, all of whom would be terrifying to encounter in the dark. However, consistently, del Toro demonstrates that genuine terror comes from people, those are the things that truly deserve our fear.

I really enjoyed this film; it's wonderful! *Nightmare Alley* is an excellent movie to see. The beginning and end were particularly good—truly superb, in fact—although the central section isn’t quite as impactful, but remains very well done. I appreciate the dark mood established right from the start, and the sound design is remarkable; certain moments are especially memorable and enjoyable. It also features a cap…

The length of _Nightmare Alley_ could feel tedious while you’re still experiencing it. It's easy to find yourself thinking, “Just how many times do I need to see Bradley Cooper read and gesture toward his head repeatedly throughout this two-and-a-half-hour movie?” However, _Nightmare Alley_ is so skillfully made that each scene proves important down the line, and it gives you plenty to consider once the credits ro…

"Nightmare Alley" introduces us to Stanton Carlisle (Bradley Cooper), a man struggling to survive in America during the late 1930s. We first meet him under less than ideal circumstances, and he soon finds himself working at a carnival after stumbling upon it. Eager to advance, Stanton receives guidance and techniques from his boss Clem (Willem Dafoe) and the mystic Zeena (Toni Collette). He also forms a connection…