Nightmare Detective 2 – Review

Just off the heels of watching the spectacular domestic film ‘Inception’, I must say movies about dreams and the individuals they terrorize have always been a fascination of mine. Ryuhei Matsuda reprises his role as the Nightmare Detective, but this time his character feels much more tormented. The characters in this film have been plagued by nightmares that have made it impossible for her to sleep. Insisting that their scorned schoolmate is haunting her, Yukie is hoping the Nightmare Detective will intervene on her behalf. Instead of rehashing and reissuing everything that made the original movie an international success, we instead have a fresh sequel that provides plenty of good frames to enjoy.

Nightmare Detective 2 can actually be viewed as a stand alone film, however, watching the original first is always advisable. One big hurdle for viewers to overcome is the fact that this film is jam-packed with ambiguity from start to finish but I urge you not to be driven to frustration. The first film had a visceral brutality to it, as this one on the other hand, can be described as a slow ride into silent darkness.

I prefer to see it as a maturing and a sign of integrity. Nighmare Detective 2 is all about unexplainable things that inflict sheer terror on human beings and how they leave victims psychologically devastated. Not only is the movie scary, it’s downright smart. Many children have night terrors, but not many wet themselves as their mother’s ghost hovers over their head and lowers a dead hand to stroke their cheek. Get my point? Maybe a Nightmare Detective Trilogy would be a nice way to wrap things up?

Acting is very strong too, while the first half of the film starts of a little tame, the acting comes in full force in the later parts of the film. In my opinion, Nightmare Detective 2 is way better than part one and should be watched and enjoyed by all horror fans alike. And for once I’d love to see another sequel made (how many times have you heard anyone say that?). Nightmare Detective 2 will not satisfy your bloodlust, but instead will keep you glued ot yoru screen waiting to see what happens next.  Don’t expect things clearly spelled out for you either, this film holds no hands. Nightmare Detective 2 is a successful sequel that makes you think as much as it scares you. Thumbs up!