Nightmare Weekend

Nightmare Weekend from 1986 is a unique blend of science fiction and horror, bringing together a peculiar mixture of biker gangs, sentient hands, and computer science. This one-of-a-kind B-movie, while not being a mainstream hit, has obtained a cult-like status among avid aficionados of the genre for its eccentric storyline, unforgettable characters, and over-the-top special effects.

Directed by Henry Sala, Nightmare Weekend assembles an interesting cast that includes the talents of Debbie Laster, Dale Midkiff, and Debra Hunter. Their performances significantly contribute to the tone of the movie, combining both serious and melodramatic elements that give the movie its distinct flavor.

Our journey in Nightmare Weekend begins when scientist couple – Edward Brake and Julie Clingstone – join forces to develop a highly advanced computer system named 'George'. The creation of Edward, 'George' is no ordinary computer system; it possesses a unique capability – it can alter a person’s personality, making them either violent or docile. However, Edward's benign aspirations for the project are squarely focused on refining personalities rather than manipulating them.

Under the cover of a weekend getaway, he tests this new technology on a group of young women. His partner and love interest, Julie Clingstone, is the more morally flexible of the two, eyeing this groundbreaking technology as a potential tool for psychological manipulation and behavioral control. Julie decides to take advantage of Edward's absence and use an unauthorized, untested version of their software. Hence, an ordinary weekend transformed into a 'Nightmare Weekend.'

As the title suggests, the weekend takes an unsuspected turn as the young women start to exhibit alarming changes in their personalities. They become increasingly wild and dangerous, much to the horror of the innocent and unsuspecting Edward.

To further compound the situation, an independent living Silver Ball controlled by the computer system George wreaks havoc whilst an animate puppet glove named Apache helps to maintain a semblance of order. In the middle of all chaos, in walks a biker gang, adding an additional layer of conflict to the narrative. The arrival of these rowdy motorcyclists turns the serene setting into a ground for violent confrontations, unleashing a barrage of chaotic incidents that have severe and unusual consequences. Adding to the atmosphere are surprise elements such as a living video game machine, and sentient motorbike parts.

Playing the role of Edward is Dale Midkiff, who successfully shows the transformation from a hopeful scientist to a man desperately trying to handle an escalating situation. Debbie Laster and Debra Hunter compliment this performance with their portrayals of the villainous Julie and the innocent victim Annie, respectively. Laster does an excellent job as Julie, showing her manipulative and treacherous side with aplomb while Hunter shines in creating a sympathetic character viewers root for.

The film is punctuated by gory, surreal, and sometimes absurd special effects that are both grotesque and visually mesmerizing. Furthermore, the cinematography does a fantastic job in showcasing the beautiful surroundings of the estate within which most of the action takes place.

Another intriguing aspect of the film is the psychedelic quality of the scenes, particularly when the computer takes over and the personality shifts occurring within the characters. There's a certain surreal atmosphere present that offers Nightmare Weekend its unique voice and distinguishes it within the horror genre.

Nightmare Weekend’s soundtrack supplements its visual storytelling perfectly. It provides an eerie backdrop to the bizarre proceedings, helping the narrative flow with an undeniable 80s synth ambiance coursing through various high-tension scenes.

To sum up, Nightmare Weekend hits the sweet spot for fans of the weird, wacky, and spine-chilling horror of the '80s. It offers the right blend of horror, comedy, and science fiction elements while serving up a generous helping of over-the-top humor. With an unpredictable plot, memorable characters, and innovative special effects, Nightmare Weekend remains a must-watch film for any lover of B-movie cinematic gems.