The storyline to this flick is pretty convoluted to say the least, as it strives to pack an entire mythology from a novel into a swift 102 minute running time. Despite that though, we do get to see a lot of cool creatures and some wonderful makeup and special f/x that's done in the old school fashion! The "Nightbreed," as Midian's denizens call themselves, are all different and each one has its own distinct ability and weakness. Some can be killed by sunlight (as one unfortunate nightbreed shows us), others buy bullets or knives, and still others by fire or other conventional means. Sadly, a good number of the nightbreed bite the dust toward the end of the flick during a minitaure apocalyptic battle between man and monster. (But in this fight, men are the true monsters, as they attempt to destroy what they're frightened of and don't understand.) In the midst of the battle, Boone battles his arch-nemesis, Dr. Decker, who wears one of the creepiest masks I've ever seen in my life. (Two creepy button eyes and a zipper mouth; Pictured Below!)
(Seriously, isn't that one of the freakiest things you've ever seen?!) During the battle, Boone emerges victorious, as do the surviving nightbreed, but now they must find a new home for Midian has been decimated. Sadly the film ends here before letting us know the fate of these wondrous beings while simultaneously setting things up for a sequel that was never (or has yet to) be made. (Note: Apparently a 25-issue comic book series was issued after the release of the film. I think I need to track it down!)
As I said, earlier, this movie just tries too hard to pack in a lot of backstory and origins of the titular creatures, but sort of gets lost along the way. But the awkward plot doesn't really hurt the film too much because of the great cast and special effects! (And a great sountrack courtesy of Danny Elfman!) The makeup in this film is fantastic and the variety of creatures in Midian is astounding. There's a sensual porcupine woman, a chick that can shapeshift into smoke (sounds lame, but damn she puts it to good use), various other shapeshifters, humanoid beings with multiple eyes and/or appendages, and then you have the highly dangerous (but bottom-rung) Berzerkers that are super-strong, impervious to conventional weaponry, and vicious as hell! As for the cast, I'd have to say that Dave Cronenberg wins out as the most memorable (and most terrifying) character in the film.
Apparently Clive Barker has some major issues with every branch of the medical profession (see also "Hellbound: Hellraiser II") as the real villain in this piece is Dr. Decker, the crazed psychologist that (figuratively) wears a mask of sanity to fool patients and colleagues alike. The distorted and utterly freaky mask he puts on (damn thing gives me the shivers) is in essence, his true face. (Yikes, am I throwing too much symbolism at you here?) And once he dons his "true face," Dr. Decker does what he wants, to who he wants, and the results are usually pretty bloody. In contrast, Boone (Craig Sheffer) is sort of a boring hero (and nightbreed) but I guess we can chalk that up to the screenplay and not Craig's acting. The fact that he's been stabbed and shot throughout the film sort of makes his final battle with Decker seem moot as the mad doctor is a mere mortal, armed with dual machetes.
In the end, "Nightbreed" manages to rise above its shortcomings to become one of the coolest monster flicks of all time. (At least in my book.) Fans of Clive Barker and monster cinema in general should give this flick a try, and kids from our newer generations need to see it, if only to see that there's no school like the old school when it comes to special effects in a film! I'm a bit torn as to what rating I should give this, but I feel pretty comfortable in award "Nightbreed" with THREE AND A HALF 'RADS'!
Oh and before I forget, if you want to read the novel "Cabal" on which this film is based, you can pick up a paperback copy at Amazon.com for a fairly decent price. For more info, click on the link to your right. I think I may have to pick this bad boy up. It sounds fairly enticing, and I'd love to know more about the nightbreed and their tumultuous history.
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