Movies
A Nightmare Remake On Elm Street
Is this Elm Street the worst of the franchise? Not by a long shot! But is it a worthy entry into one of horror’s most highly lauded franchises? Unquestionably no.
In the discussion of aughts remakes, films like House of Wax, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Dawn of the Dead, The Grudge, The Ring, and The Hills Have Eyes are the films that dominate the conversation. For good reason. Each of these remakes took the source material and elaborated on them. Remakes shouldn’t be intended as fodder to see big moments recreated for no other reason than nostalgia. Out of the ‘big’ slashers of the late ‘70s and ‘80s, only two seemed to resonate with audiences enough for at least one sequel: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Halloween. Even the different and fun Friday the 13th remake wasn’t strong enough to spawn a sequel. Why not? (Set aside the fact that Jason Vorhees met a similar fate as Michael Myers in the DGG Halloween trilogy.) More importantly, what happened with A Nightmare on Elm Street and its abysmal attempt to spawn a new series run?
Is A Nightmare on Elm Street an Aughts Remake?
Starting off, can A Nightmare on Elm Street be considered an aughts remake? This unimportant question has haunted me for weeks. Plainly put, yes. Since production started in ‘08, we can consider this an aughts film. Glad that’s cleared up.
Music video director Samuel Bayer, who directed the brilliant Green Day concert video Bullet in a Bible, would make his singular feature film debut with the Elm Street remake. Tonally, A Nightmare on Elm Street very much feels like an early-aughts fart rock music video. And the direction suffers because of it. Visually gritty and dark, with muted yellows and overall offputting computer assistance, this film feels more try-hard than the other films of its ilk during this time. But where the film fails, it also [partially] succeeds.
Out of all the slasher heavy hitters, Freddy Krueger is the one I care least about. Each film in this franchise has felt like a chore to watch. The original A Nightmare on Elm Street slashed its way into the hearts of genre fans in ‘84, but a recent rewatch has made it explicitly clear that it feels just as cheesy and ineffective as I remembered. For an hour and a half, Robert Englund and Heather Lagenkamp carry this hole-ridden bucket of blood with minor patch jobs from some solid practical effects. For every interesting moment of horror, you are met with a handful of out-of-place puns, Dan Flashes T-shirts, smoking fedoras, and a (checks notes) booby trap scene.
The moments in the original that work, work. Damn well. Tina’s death scene looks just as good now as it would have looked in ‘84. It’s raw and brutal, and one hell of an opening kill. In comparison, the opening kill in the remake is also equally brutal. Dean takes a knife and drives the handle deep into his throat. Both are bloody, intense and, dare I say, the best kills of each one? This is pretty much where the two films split. The original gets funky and funny in a way that just doesn’t work [for me]. It’s not clever, fun, or worth the bloodshed that ensues. The remake takes an entirely different route and falls apart for its own reasons. But as stated, where the film fails, it also [partially] succeeds.
A Tonally Controversial Krueger
Instead of being funny and letting Krueger exist in this ambiguous state of conviction, the remake tells all. Craven had said that Krueger’s sexual proclivities were what we thought they were, initially. This would then be pulled back, and Englund’s Krueger would exist solely as a murderer. Looking at Krueger as a killer, rather than a killer and rapist, makes it easier to joke around with him. That’s not to say murder is forgivable, but I’d rather laugh along with a murderer than a murderer/rapist. Maybe I don’t think murder is serious. Jackie Earle Haley had some large shoes to fill as Freddy Krueger, possibly giving him the hardest job out of all of the heavy hitter remakes of the aughts. Leatherface, Myers, and Vorhees don’t have dialogue. Yes, they can still character-act through their performances, it’s just a bit easier for them than it was for Jackie Earle Haley.
The tumultuous decade that was the aughts produced some of the biggest, loudest, angriest, meanest horror films to date. As we all know, the world was in a post-9/11 shock that affected every aspect of life, and horror was no different. Zombie’s Michael Myers was a hulking brute of terror, fueled by pure anger. Nispel’s Leatherface imbued a xenophobia and hatred felt by many. Bayer’s Krueger was…just gross. Making Krueger a cannon pedo is a choice, and it’s a deliberate choice. But now the audience can’t laugh along with him. Again, child murder is unforgivable, but it still feels a bit less personal than murder/rape. So excuse me if I don’t want to laugh along and include Haley’s Freddy as a fun tongue-in-cheek entry into Freddies.
On Haley’s performance, it works. Jackie Earle Haley is an incredibly talented character actor. What he does with this Krueger works for what it is. He’s abhorrent and reprehensible in every aspect. He’s foreboding, terrifying, and an all-around bad guy. The few jokes thrown in felt forced and out of place for this interpretation of the character. A focus on pure evil would have made this antagonist feel less muddled.
Does the new Freddy Krueger Work?
Both films disseminate the lore of Freddy through the characters, though, again, it feels too forced with the remake. In the original, the character of Freddy flows naturally through the series of events, while the remake just assumes you know the intricate lore of what Freddy is and lets you fill in your own blanks. The only interesting piece of storytelling we get for remake Freddy is when Quentin has his big nightmare during his swim meet.
Oh, and we don’t need to talk about remake Freddy’s design. Right? It speaks for itself.
The casts of both films are stellar, but the Oscar for Best Casting goes to the remake with the likes of Rooney Mara, Kyle Gallner, Connie Britton, Clancy Brown, and the aforementioned Jackie Earle Haley. With a cast like that, how can you fail? A sloppy story, forced brutality, and terrible direction make A Nightmare on Elm Street a sleep-paralysis demon borne of post-9/11 anger.
Is this Elm Street the worst of the franchise? Not by a long shot! But is it a worthy entry into one of horror’s most highly lauded franchises? Unquestionably no.
Shudder has officially entered the Halloween chat this year, so the other streamers can hang it up. The app is adding the entire Rec franchise and a nice chunk of Alfred Hitchcock’s work. Fans can watch Psycho, The Birds, Vertigo, and Rear Window on the same streamer this Halloween season. However, my eye is on this year’s Fangoria Chainsaw Awards. It is always a night that brings all my favorite horror people together because most of us watch it live and post about it in real-time. It is what I assume people do at other award shows, where horror is often overlooked. I do not care enough to prove that theory by watching awards where people don’t win chainsaws, though. Anyways, here are five movies I’m excited to get cozy with this October.
The Best Movies to Stream on Shudder This Month
V/H/S/Halloween (2025)
The popular franchise is unleashing a collection of Halloween-themed wicked tales this time. No matter how you feel about found footage or this series, it’s hard to not get excited every time a new installment drops. Who among us can resist the pull of six frightening stories shoved into an unsettling anthology? It also gives us the chance to speed date a handful of filmmakers who want to terrify us. So, it makes sense that it is becoming a yearly tradition. This Shudder Original is also coming hot and fresh from Fantastic Fest. So, if you missed the festival, you can still partake in some of the nightmare fuel at home.
You can watch V/H/S/Halloween on October 3rd.
When A Stranger Calls (1979)
A man terrorizes a babysitter and decides to further traumatize her seven years later. I watched a lot of horror movies as a kid, but this was the one that made me realize scary movies are supposed to be scary. The first act of this film is stressful. It is also probably the reason my phone is always on do not disturb. Carol Kane is an amazing final girl who becomes the final woman in this unsettling story. It also has amazing performances from the late Charles Durning and Tony Beckley, who tragically died way too young. I dare you to watch the first act while you’re alone with the lights off.
You can watch When A Stranger Calls on October 6th.
Invader (2024)
A woman suspects foul play when her cousin goes missing in Chicago. However, her investigation leads to something beyond her wildest imagination. I need answers to all the questions this movie’s premise is throwing at me. Because it’s about 70 minutes long, I cannot be too mad at whatever this turns out to be. I would have given up way more time to see why what looks like a home invasion seems so mysterious. So, if you are trying to watch a bunch of horror movies this season, this is a quick one coming to an app near you. Everybody, tell Shudder thank you!
You can watch Invader on October 6th.
OTHER (2025)
A woman returns to her childhood home after her mother’s death to find the house has extensive surveillance and an evil presence. I want to know how the sinister vibes and technology are connected because I am nosy. I also love horror movies that promise family secrets are getting uncovered. After all, nothing is scarier than families. More importantly, this movie got past me, so I did not hear anything about it until making this streaming guide. So, I need to fix that the second it lands on Shudder. It also looks good, so I’m stepping into this movie feeling like it’s going to be a great time.
You can watch Other on October 17th.
Hell House LLC: Lineage (2025)
Vanessa Shepard finds herself haunted after surviving unspeakable horrors at the Abaddon Hotel years earlier. She soon realizes that her nightmares and visions are trying to tell her something she could have never imagined. When this franchise is good, it’s very, very good. Which is why it earned five movies and is one of the franchises we think about when we think of Shudder. While I do not like this fifth and final film, I am sad it was not in theaters long enough to give Hell House LLC fans closure and to allow them to finally see a chapter on the big screen. So, I’m happy this Shudder Original is arriving on Halloween Eve. I also look forward to the discourse once it has more eyes on it because I’m messy.
You can watch Hell House LLC: Lineage on October 30th.
So, that’s why my TV will be parked on Shudder this month. There are plenty of titles that give me an excuse to stay home and mind my own business. Y’all have fun out there because I don’t need to go outside with a lineup like this.
Let us know what scary shenanigans you are planning to get into on the app this October. Also, Happy Halloween from the alleged lady always telling you what to watch!
I have decided that this month is dedicated to horror shows I enjoyed binging on Netflix. Is this because I have been thinking about rewatching Marianne since I added it to August’s streaming guide? Yes. Is it also because Halloween month is the perfect time to curl up with shows about dead people and cursed things? Also, yes. So, I plucked five titles from the streamer that I do not talk about enough. I am also making that your problem, as I encourage you to watch each of these. While Netflix might not have the scariest library in the game, they do have some gems that are perfect binges for this cozy time of year. Let us dive in and find your next series, shall we?
The Best Movies to Stream on Netflix This Month
All of Us Are Dead (2022)
A zombie outbreak leaves high school students trapped in their school. If you are a horror fan, then you know that nothing hits quite like a South Korean zombie tale. Which is why these 12 episodes are a journey that I wish everyone would take. These kids who hate each other being forced to work together to survive is high-level drama. The betrayal, the death, and the tension lead to some of the most chaotic TV you might see this month. More importantly, if you dig the show, Netflix has greenlit it for a second season. So, you are not late to the party, but arriving right before the second beer run.
Dead Boy Detectives (2024)
Two spirits chose to opt out of the afterlife and stay on Earth to solve supernatural crimes. Dead Boy Detectives was everything I ever wanted in a series, and I am still salty it was cancelled. So, I hate that we do not see where these lovable characters would end up in a second season. I want more well-written intersectional horror, and I want it now. Because men are awful, I have to point out that this is based on a Neil Gaiman comic book. So, it is sticky if you are (understandably) wishing him well in hell and not wanting to engage with anything inspired by his work. I was never a fan of his stuff, which is how I know this writer’s room worked their asses off on this adaptation. These eight episodes were the main reason to keep Netflix last year, and the show deserved a longer season (and life).
Interview with the Vampire (2022- Present)
A vampire shares his very long story with a cynical journalist. I almost skipped this show because the movie put me to sleep so many times as a kid. This series is my favorite Anne Rice adaptation, so I am glad I tuned in. It is sexy, smart, and sophisticated. It is a decadent, bloody little treat with one of the most talented casts on TV at the moment. This is the perfect time to check it out, as Netflix just added the second season in September. Now subscribers can experience the love, lust, and loss like the rest of us before the third season arrives.
Kingdom (2019-2020)
When the king goes down, the prince must take the throne and protect his subjects from a plague. If you like zombies and period-piece horror, then open Netflix and hit play now. I checked this show out because I saw Bae Doona (Sense 8) was in the cast. By the time the two seasons were over, I was a different person, and I am welcome. I do not know who we need to talk to about getting more South Korean historical horror shows, but get them on the phone ASAP. This series has drama, mess, and violence. I might need to rewatch this, too, instead of just telling other people to check it out.
Tomorrow and I (2024)
A four-part anthology exploring the intersection of futuristic technologies and Thai culture. At first glance, this seems like Thailand’s version of Black Mirror, but Tomorrow and I is definitely her own weird thing. It became one of my favorite shows of last year, and not nearly enough people watched it. As usual, Netflix dropped an international banger in silence. So, people have to stumble upon it or hear about it from the streets. It is a shame because it is one of the better sci-fi horror anthologies we have gotten in years. This beautifully complicated show explores the human condition and examines Thailand’s political landscape. The whole season is worth watching, but the last episode is the one that dealt the most psychic damage. So, save the finale for when you want to have your entire day ruined and feel your feelings.
Let us know if any of these Netflix binges are in your immediate future this Halloween season. You can also let us know which shows you are digging that did not make this list. We are nosy that way. Happy Halloween month!
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