Generational Trauma Explored in Thrilling Sequel

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MOVIE REVIEW
Nightwatch: Demons Are Forever (Nattevagten – Dæmoner går i arv)
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Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 50m
Director(s): Ole Bornedal
Writer(s): Ole Bornedal
Cast: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Kim Bodnia, Rikke Louise Andersson, Ulf Pilgaard, Lotte Andersen, Sofie Gråbøl, Stig Hoffmeyer, Gyrd Løfquist, Steen Stig Lommer, Niels Anders Thorn / Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Kim Bodnia, Ulf Pilgaard, Alex Høgh Andersen, Sonja Richter, Fanny Leander Bornedal, Paprika Steen, Christopher Læssø, Thomas Hou Mandsfeldt
Where To Watch: streaming on Shudder May 17, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: The 1994 cult hit NIGHTWATCH, known for its spine-chilling story and atmospheric tension, gets a modern “continuation” in NIGHTWATCH: DEMONS ARE FOREVER. Ole Bornedal returns to the director's chair, cleverly infusing contemporary vibes into the narrative, with some aspects almost too on point but others that accompany a new slew of sinister happenings that echo the original's eerie vibe.

In the mid-90s, NIGHTWATCH carved out a niche in Danish cinema, presenting a claustrophobic thriller that intertwined the lives of ordinary individuals with extraordinary circumstances. Martin, a law student working part-time as a morgue night watchman, found himself at the heart of a murder mystery that gripped audiences with its well-crafted suspense and unexpected plot twists. This earned Bornedal critical acclaim and led to an American adaptation only three years later.

Fast-forward to the present, and NIGHTWATCH: DEMONS ARE FOREVER shifts focus to Emma, portrayed by Fanny Leander Bornedal. She delves into her family's shadowy past after uncovering the distressing circumstances surrounding her mother's passing. Emma's quest for answers brings her to the same morgue that haunted her parents, stirring up old ghosts in more ways than one.

Unlike its predecessor, which relied heavily on the chilling isolation of the morgue to fuel its frights, the sequel broadens its scope. It ventures deeper into the psychological impact of its sinister setting on Emma, straddling the line between psychological thriller and full-blown horror.

The film benefits from Nikolaj Coster-Waldau's return as Martin. His portrayal adds a sense of continuity and complexity, mixing with the narrative’s exploration of generational trauma. This recurring theme resonates with the audience as we tread these dark halls.

One of the sequel’s most reflective elements is its commentary on cinematic legacies. Bornedal revisits the thematic essence that made NIGHTWATCH a standout film and enhances it by casting his real-life daughter. This adds a layer of authenticity and sticks to the core family narrative portrayed on screen, although some exposition in the film slows what could have otherwise been a well-paced thriller.

While the first film utilized its limited setting to amplify suspense, the sequel opted for a less restrictive backdrop. This shift, likely facilitated by a larger budget, reflects a common sequel pitfall: expanding the narrative scope at the expense of the tight, intimate terror that fans initially loved. Sometimes, limitations in filmmaking lead to the most significant accomplishments.

Nevertheless, the cast delivers standout performances, with established and emerging actors bringing their characters to life. This ensures that NIGHTWATCH: DEMONS ARE FOREVER is a compelling addition to the series. The film balances respect for its origins with fresh innovations, marking a significant evolution in Danish cinema. It is known for its subtlety and depth rather than the grand spectacle often favored by Hollywood.

NIGHTWATCH: DEMONS ARE FOREVER offers more than just chills—it invites audiences to contemplate the enduring impact of past traumas and the haunting legacies they leave behind, weaving old lore with new twists into a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling.

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[photo courtesy of THURA FILM, DR FIKTION, OBEL FILM, NORDISK FILM, SHUDDER]

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