A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddys Revenge (1985)
Plot Summary: The film follows Jesse Walsh (Mark Patton), a teenager who has recently moved into the old Elm Street house with his family. It quickly becomes apparent that Freddy Krueger, the vengeful spirit with the knife-gloved hands, is trying to possess Jesse and use him as a conduit to kill more people. Unlike the first film, which had a strong focus on dreams and their intersections with reality, “Freddy’s Revenge” has a more tangible Freddy who can physically affect the world outside of dreams.
Strengths:
- Innovative Concept: The idea of Freddy trying to possess a living person to commit murders is a unique twist. It adds a different kind of tension and horror, diverging from the dream-centric narrative of the original.
- Practical Effects: The film is notable for its practical effects and makeup work, which are quite impressive for its time. There are some memorable and unsettling visual moments, including a particularly notable scene involving Freddy emerging from Jesseβs body.
- Atmosphere and Tension: The film has a certain eerie atmosphere and maintains a level of tension, partly due to its focus on Freddy being a more active, physical threat.
Weaknesses:
- Inconsistent Tone: “Freddy’s Revenge” suffers from a somewhat inconsistent tone. It shifts between straightforward horror and moments that can come off as campy or odd, which can be jarring.
- Character Development: Jesse, the protagonist, doesnβt have the same depth or relatability as Nancy Thompson from the first film. The character’s struggles with Freddy and his internal conflict are not as well-developed, making it harder for audiences to connect with him.
- Queer Subtext: The film has garnered attention for its potential queer subtext, which some interpret as a reflection of the directorβs struggles with sexuality during the 1980s. While this adds an interesting layer to the film, it can be viewed as either a provocative element or a poorly executed aspect, depending on one’s perspective.
- Departure from Original: Fans of the original “A Nightmare on Elm Street” might find “Freddy’s Revenge” jarring because it deviates significantly from the dream-based horror that defined the first film. The lack of dream sequences and the more physical Freddy are major departures from what made the original film a classic.
Overall: “A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge” is a fascinating film for fans of the series and horror cinema in general, partly because of how it diverges from the original. While it may not have the same critical acclaim or cultural impact as the first film, it offers its own brand of horror and has become a cult favorite for its unique approach and memorable moments.
