Nightmare Tenant

Nightmare Tenant from 2018 is a compelling story that underlines a mother’s worst nightmare, depicted masterfully by actors Lauralee Bell, Heather Hopkins, and Virginia Tucker. This film is filled with suspense, tension, and a series of alarming events, ensuring to keep its audience on the edges of their seats.

The film opens with Dr. Carol Allen (Lauralee Bell), a kindly and respected therapist, who has raised her daughter Lacey (Heather Hopkins) single handedly in the safe and secure confines of a small town. As an only child, Lacey has grown accustomed to her mother’s undivided attention and care. When it’s time for Lacey to leave for college, Carol finds herself excited yet filled with a sense of apprehension. The nest left empty by Lacey's departure becomes an eerie silence that Carol has never encountered before. It is not just the emotional turmoil that the storyline revolves around, but also an unforeseen physical danger that starts lurking around Carol.

To soften her solitude, Carol rents out a room in their home, fully aware that doing so would welcome a stranger into their life. Carol is delighted when a charming young woman, Morgan (Virginia Tucker), enrolls at the local university and expresses interest in renting the room. Morgan’s grace and likable persona immediately win Carol's heart. She sees Morgan as the perfect roommate for her now quiet home, but what she doesn't know is Morgan isn't all she seems.

On the surface, Morgan is everything a landlord could want, a diligent student and a kind-hearted individual. However, as the story unravels, it becomes clear that Morgan’s sweet student act is masking something much more sinister. As days pass by, Carol begins to witness alarming and strange behaviors from Morgan; she appears to be becoming obsessively involved in Carol's life. Unsettling events start taking place that shake Carol's world and make her question her decision.

Simultaneously, the film takes us through a roller-coaster ride, depicting the life of Lacey at college, her longing for her mother, and the new realities she's faced with. The journey of Lacey, from a protected child to a woman dealing with her independent life, also forms an integral part of the film.

As suspense builds, we see the unexpectedly dark shades of Morgan’s personality, and this adds a thrilling element to the movie. Will Carol be able to unveil the true identity of Morgan? Will she be able to protect herself and her daughter from this unexpected menace? Nightmare Tenant addresses these questions, leaving the audience in suspense as Carol battles a situation she never imagined in her wildest dreams.

Throughout the film, the performances of the leading trio stand out. Lauralee Bell effortlessly portrays the emotional turmoil of a mother who dotes on her only daughter while battling her own sense of isolation and fear. Heather Hopkins, as Lacey, brings to the screen the perfect blend of youth and innocence, while her growth into independence strikes a chord with the audience. Virginia Tucker's portrayal of Morgan stands as a very intriguing character, her sweet charm having a chilling undercurrent that keeps viewers on edge.

Directed by Robert Malenfant, Nightmare Tenant perfectly showcases his talent for creating atmospheric suspense. Malenfant's precise direction coupled with strong performances makes Nightmare Tenant a psychological thriller that deeply engages the audience, keeping them guessing until the end.

The twists and turns of the plot and the chilling suspense make Nightmare Tenant an experience to remember. This release from 2018 is a valued addition to the genre of psychological thrillers, blending a sense of normalcy with an undercurrent of fear in a way that captures and maintains the viewer's attention throughout. It serves as a perfect watch for those who enjoy heart-pounding suspense and the exploration of human behavior's sinister side.