Nightwatch: Demons Are Forever

Ole Bornedal's "Nattevagten - Dæmoner Går i Arv" ("Nightwatch: Demons Are Forever") is a horror sequel that delivers a satisfying blend of tension, and eerie sound design. While it doesn't reach the heights of its iconic predecessor, this Danish film proves that lightning can strike twice, even if it doesn't rewrite the horror rulebook.

The original "Nightwatch" shook the local industry, proving that Danish filmmakers could craft compelling horror. Two decades later, Bornedal revisits his classic, exploring generational trauma and the weight of the past. The result is a competent, if familiar, sequel that delivers on entertainment value, even if it doesn't break free from the shadow of its iconic predecessor.

The story centers around Emma (Fanny Leander Bornedal), a young medical student drawn into a web of horror as she attempts to clear her family name. It's a tale of mistaken identity and confronting the sins of the past, with a strong performance by Bornedal, who portrays a character trying to escape their legacy.

While the film follows a similar formula to its predecessor, with familiar story beats and character types, it excels in building tension. The sound design is particularly effective, with the unnerving sound of a utility knife adding to the sense of impending danger. The film also doesn't skimp on gore, delivering plenty of bloody moments to satisfy horror enthusiasts.

However, "Nattevagten - Dæmoner Går i Arv" falls short of fully exploring its potential for intergenerational dialogue and commentary. It feels like a missed opportunity, as the film stops just short of delving into deeper themes, instead opting for a safer, more familiar path. This is a common pitfall of legacy sequels, and while it doesn't detract from the enjoyment of the film, it does leave you wanting more.

In conclusion, "Nattevagten - Dæmoner Går i Arv" is a solid addition to the horror genre. It effectively balances tension and gore, delivering an entertaining and satisfying experience. While it may not be the most innovative entry, it is a worthy successor to the original "Nightwatch," reminding us of its impact and proving that some formulas are worth revisiting.

It has been almost 30 years since the events of the original. Martin is kind of a wreck; he doesn't work, doesn't receive welfare and takes too many pills. His daughter Emma is trying to help, but he's very resistant to it. Neither of them have properly processed the suicide of Kalinka. So one day she does something she feels is definitely going to make it better. The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.

A major theme here is the way that trauma has a ripple effect. And how something intended to improve things can actually worsen them. The terror is in part derived from this, thus making it more effective than if it truly was something as banal (at this point in genre fiction) as merely a serial killer. The mystery is compelling, and though I applied myself, I did not deduce the identity of the murderer. This has amazing cinematography and editing, which truly do hold you in a vice grip in the scariest scenes. Movies like this can get a significant boost out of credible characterization. Maria feels like a real person; she is not confined by stereotypical femininity. The acting and the chemistry is all convincing.

This features brief sexuality, a little strong bloody violence and gore, and some swearing. I recommend this to fans of Horror. 7/10.

I absolutely cannot understand the low ratings. This is well filmed, well acted, and keeps the heart pumping. To give it a 2 or a 1 is not sincere and that makes it akin to a D-Grade basement exploitation flick. I'm sorry you didn't like the story, but give me a break- a 2/10 for the movie as a whole? Ridiculous. If all of your ratings on IMDb are to the extreme, then maybe no more reviews for you?

The feeling of watching an over-confident protagonist let their guard down and you're filled with dread? The feeling of relief when life is put on pause and you're living in the moment? A semi-plot twist that makes you question yourself? All here.

If you don't mind subtitles, this is a good movie if you're into horror thrillers with suspense.

The first half of Nightwatch: Demons Are Forever starts strong, with a thrilling atmosphere that pulls you in. However, the second half disappoints-the motives behind the revenge plot are confusing, storytelling becomes unclear, and it loses the initial momentum. Overall, not a satisfying conclusion. AVERAGE.

The movie is entertaining, but drags out quite a bit with it's 2 hour run time.

In my oppinion they try too hard and too many times to make references back to the first movie, and it kinda sours the experience as just wanting to bait for nostalgia.

I also feel they use too many unnecessary English translated words, being used in a unrealistic manner, such as the commissioner, using "Case", and Emma saying "Gun" instead of the Danish "Pistol", and a couple others I can't quite recall.