Entertainment Blog #288 | Nightwatch - Demons Are Forever[2023] : A Haunting Legacy with Flaws...

The core of Nightwatch: Demons Are Forever revolves around generational trauma and familial ties, something most viewers can relate to on a personal level. Set in the eerie halls of Saint Hans Psychiatric Hospital, Emma, the daughter of Martin from the original Nightwatch (1994), is driven by her unresolved family history and her father’s spiral into despair. Her quest to uncover the truth about her parents’ past leads her into the same nightmarish job her father once held. The story’s exploration of the lingering effects of trauma, loss, and emotional burdens grounds the horror in real-world issues, giving the plot a weight that extends beyond typical slasher fare.

Released on May 17, 2024, on Shudder, this sequel is directed by Ole Bornedal, the same visionary behind both the original Nightwatch and its 1997 English-language remake. Bornedal returns to this world after nearly three decades, with a cast led by Fanny Leander Bornedal (Emma) and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Martin). The film reunites familiar faces like Kim Bodnia and Ulf Pilgaard, while introducing newcomers like Casper Kjær Jensen as the unsettling Bent. Though the return of key cast members brings continuity, this legacy sequel falls prey to many pitfalls seen in modern horror franchises.

The plot kicks off with Emma taking her father's old job at the psychiatric hospital, determined to unravel the mystery of her mother’s suicide and her father’s descent into addiction. From the start, a sense of dread seeps through as a new killer emerges, seemingly echoing the crimes of the original film’s antagonist, Dr. Wormer. Emma's determination drives the story forward, her interactions with patients like the deranged Bent adding layers of intrigue.

While the pacing is slow initially, the tension escalates as the lines between past and present blur. The film skillfully drops breadcrumbs, building suspense without giving away too much, enticing viewers to keep watching as Emma delves deeper into her father's haunted legacy.

As Emma continues her night watch, the killer’s presence grows more menacing, and the story begins to intertwine her fate with that of her father’s. The eerie connection between Emma, her family’s dark past, and the psych ward's twisted history is palpable. Bornedal’s direction shines in the way it manipulates viewers' expectations, shifting between shock scares and emotional beats. Emma’s investigation uncovers disturbing truths, but just when the pieces seem to fall into place, the film pulls back, leaving key questions unanswered. The slow build creates an atmosphere of tension, though some may find the first half overly drawn-out before the action truly begins.

Unlike many modern horror films that rely on relentless jump scares, Nightwatch: Demons Are Forever stands out for its atmospheric tension and focus on character-driven horror. It differentiates itself by focusing on psychological demons more than supernatural ones. The film’s Scandinavian roots lend it a brooding, moody tone, reminiscent of 70s indie horror. Rather than relying on spectacle, the movie lingers on moments of quiet dread, playing on the emotional stakes of its characters. However, this emphasis on mood sometimes comes at the cost of tighter storytelling, making certain scenes feel prolonged without a satisfying payoff.

Critical reception has been mixed, with IMDb users rating it a 5.9/10, while Rotten Tomatoes gives it a slightly higher 70%. Filmaffinity users are less kind, scoring it 5.1/10. Some praise Bornedal’s ability to craft suspense and the performances of Fanny Leander Bornedal and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, but others criticize the film’s sluggish pacing and underdeveloped secondary characters. Nightwatch: Demons Are Forever succeeds in recapturing the eerie essence of the original, but falls short in delivering a fresh, engaging narrative. Viewers expecting a straightforward slasher may be disappointed by the more introspective approach.

With a moderate budget, Nightwatch: Demons Are Forever performed decently in its streaming debut, attracting both fans of the original and horror aficionados curious about the sequel. While its box office numbers are modest, its presence on Shudder guarantees a loyal audience of horror lovers. In conclusion, the film is a moody, atmospheric return to Bornedal’s world, though it struggles under the weight of its predecessor’s legacy. It’s a film that haunts more through its emotional core than its body count, but for those willing to endure its slow pace, there’s a gripping story at its heart.