Director Melanie Delloy’s psychological thriller, The Nightman, acts as a modernized dark gothic tale by deftly using genre tropes in haunting, atmospheric setting. Set in the Irish wilderness, rife with the dilapidated remains of a bygone era, the movie meditates on themes of repressed trauma, toxic familial bonds, the adverse effects of internalized conservatism and patriarchy—all while incorporating certain folk horror elements. There is a mystifying, melancholic undertone pervading through the movie, very typical of the gothic genre, which enhances the narrative treatment by adding a sense of pathos to it. Backed by strong performances, The Nightman can very well become a favorite of genre fans who want their horror flicks to be moody and emotionally resonant.

Spoilers Ahead

The Miller Family Curse

The Nightman begins with an expectant mother, Alex, sharing her burdens with her psychiatrist. Alex is revealed to have a dark past, as back in her childhood,...