…not a director I’d normally accuse of phoning in a project, but this kind of feels like that. Perhaps I just wanted something different, something more distinct; coming off of The Shape of Water, it’s not unreasonable to expect. Nightmare Alley is a weaker entry in his catalog, but quality writing and a top-notch cast means it’s still worth seeing. Once.

When he pops so much in a scene, it’s hard to believe he’s stalking us, and this is the core problem with the film’s ability to build dread.

…the film finds new life, imbued with the wonderful energy a viewer feels when their expectations have been subverted.