The Disney+ Crime Thriller Masterpiece Everyone Slept On

Nightmare Alley revolves around Stanton Carlisle (Bradley Cooper), a charismatic but morally ambiguous man with a talent for manipulation.

Carlisle rises from a carny to a successful mentalist by exploiting people’s vulnerabilities and fears. As he climbs the social ladder, he becomes entangled in a web of deceit and corruption.

As Stan learns and masters the tricks of the trade, he becomes captivated by Molly (Rooney Mara), a fellow performer. After a tragic incident involving a death and a carnival raid, Stan saves the day using his skills.

Molly reluctantly joins him in a new life, but as they rise to fame in Buffalo’s elite circles, their relationship strains under Stan’s demanding perfectionism.

During one performance, psychologist Dr. Lilith Ritter (Cate Blanchett) challenges Stan’s act, leading to a showdown where Stan exposes her secrets.

Stan secures a private consultation with Judge Kimball (Peter MacNeill), setting the stage for his lucrative venture into the world of wealthy clients in Nightmare Alley.

As Stan delves deeper into his psychic act, his relationship with Ritter turns romantic, and he descends into alcoholism.

Stan’s lucrative dealings with wealthy clients take a dark turn when he orchestrates a séance that ends in tragedy. Molly, disgusted by Stan’s actions, leaves him, and Stan’s life begins to unravel further as he is betrayed and robbed of his savings.

Nightmare Alley serves as a gripping reminder of the consequences of unchecked ambition and the moral compromises one makes on the journey to success.

The film’s twists and turns culminate in a chilling revelation of the carnival’s dark reality. The film received a generally positive reception following its premiere at the Alice Tully Hall in New York.

Critics praised Nightmare Alley for its atmospheric cinematography, strong performances, and gripping story. Bradley Cooper‘s portrayal of the morally perplexed protagonist received particular praise along with kind words for Cate Blanchett and the supporting cast.

However, the film only managed a mediocre success at the box office, earning $39.6 million against a production budget of $60 million.

The 1947 version of Nightmare Alley was directed by Edmund Goulding and featured Tyrone Power as Stanton Carlisle.

While the classic film stayed true to the noir genre with a gritty, dark atmosphere, the 2021 adaptation also infuses elements of psychological horror and fantasy, reflecting del Toro’s distinctive style.

Moreover, the 2021 adaptation of Nightmare Alley benefits from modern filmmaking techniques, offering a more visually elaborate experience with color and special effects.

While the core storyline remains the same, the 2021 version provides more in-depth character development, offering additional layers to the main characters.

To watch Nightmare Alley via Disney+’s Hulu section, which is still in its beta version, viewers will require a subscription to both services.