This isn't a popular movie but I think its one the most mature film Jess Franco ever worked on. This was the film that made me search deeper in his catalogue as it showed me there was more than just a wild stylist and undervalued technician. Nightmares Comes At Night reveals an artist with his finger on the pulse of disregarded humanity.
Its the story of a woman being abused psychically by another woman. There is no supernatural element and the lesbian relationship serves more purposes than being titillating or dramatic. While definitely having his visual stamp, Franco reigns himself in and uses a more classical and realistic approach to capturing these moments. He very clearly empathized with the core of the movie and showed as much respect for this film as he did any other. There is never a moment where camp or indulgence or cynicism creeps into the filmmaking.
The themes presented here demand a rock solid performance from everyone involved. Suicide, mental illness, manipulation, obsession, sexual agony. Things that rarely left Germany and Sweden at the time! I can't put it as high as those arthouse staples because this is film uses some carnie plot elements to keep it broad and commercial, but you must respect that Franco put so much intelligence into something that was probably sold as "psycho lesbians must die!".
The cast is also wonderful and elevate this. Colette Giacobine delivers as the hypnotic and cold antagonist/love interest of the piece. She has to be the most physically endowed Franco actress next to Alice Arno. Soledad Miranda has a minor part and shines every moment, practically begging to drive her own film. And Diana Lorys, who appeared in the original Dr Orloff, returns as the lead. She has an Elizabeth Taylor quality. Vulnerable, doughy, regal and a little melodramatic, she's perfect as the crazed and sympathetic star.
If you like your Franco with more class AND A LITTLE ASS, Nightmares is perfect.
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