Deadtime Stories

Deadtime Stories is an enticing anthology of horror and dark fantasy that was released in 1986. Directed by Jeffrey Delman, the film features captivating performances by Scott Valentine, Nicole Picard, and Matt Mitler. Fusing together the diverse genres of horror, comedy, and fairy tales, this movie creatively spins three bizarrely terrifying versions of popular bedtime stories into a unique horror anthology that showcases a blend of chilling suspense and unbridled humor.

The film opens with a slightly twisted slant on the normal bedtime routine. Uncle Mike (Michael Mesmer) serves as the eccentric storyteller for his young, insomniac nephew Brian (Brian DePersia). Instead of telling soothing stories that would lull his nephew to sleep, Uncle Mike launches into three gruesome, hair-raising tales which take on a life of their own. Each story is distinct and presents a completely different narrative, cast, and setting, yet all three retain Uncle Mike's vivid, dark imagination, creativity and chilling aura.

The first tale, "Little Red Running Hood," is a horrifying reinterpretation of the classic Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale. The familiar characters of Little Red Riding Hood, played by Nicole Picard, and the ghastly Wolf, portrayed by Scott Valentine, are revamped with a chilling twist. This story diverges from the typical fairy tale narrative, building an aura of suspense and dread as Valentine's Wolf, a werewolf, trails Picard's Little Red to obtain a potion to cure his condition.

Continuing with the eerie ambiance, we are guided into the second story, "The Gold Laci". This chapter takes the classic tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears to a whole different level. The protagonist Laci, embodied by Cathryn de Prume, adds a rather comic and weirdly whimsical touch to what quickly turns into a macabre thrill ride. This tale takes an unexpected turn when Laci stumbles upon a house of three aspiring witches and their unfortunate guest who's central to their dark rituals.

Finally, the third story, "Peter and the Witches," tells a riveting revision of the Peter Pan tale, featuring Matt Mitler as Peter. In this tale, Peter isn't so much the brave hero but an unfortunate lad who gets entwined with two malevolent witches. Their desire for eternal youth sets Peter on a trepidous journey of mythical proportions.

One interesting aspect of Deadtime Stories is how it manipulates the familiar elements of these classic fairy tales to create a terrifying tone. A unique blend of dark, comical, and at times, absurd elements shape each story to surprise the viewer with its unexpected twists and carefully crafted tension. Despite being an '80s film, it contains many elements that are still appreciated by horror and dark fantasy enthusiasts today. Its well-placed gory elements, genuinely startling moments, and satirical narrative style provide an entertaining viewing experience to fans of the horror genre.

Moreover, the film showcases a spellbinding score by Larry Juris that enhances the chill factor while complementing the tonal variety the director implements within each tale. In addition to this, the effective cinematography succeeds in establishing a creepy backdrop that aids the unsettling narratives and aids in the overall delivery of each twisted tale.

Deadtime Stories is a movie that spices up the familiar terrain of conventional bedtime stories and turns them into chilling narratives of horror and suspense. Despite being based on mundane tales we remember from childhood, each story is so uniquely terrifying and unorthodox that it delivers unexpected chills and leaves an indelible impression long after the credits roll. For anyone who appreciates an arresting mix of horror, comedy, fairy tales, and a touch of the absurd, Deadtime Stories promises an engaging and spine-chilling ride.