Bad Dreams (1988)

The lone survivor of a suicide cult wakes from a thirteen-year coma in a psychiatric ward, where other patients suddenly start dying under mysterious and gruesome circumstances.

Director:

Andrew Fleming

Writers:

Andrew Fleming (story), Michael Dick (story)

Stars:

Jennifer Rubin, Bruce Abbott, Richard Lynch

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jennifer Rubin	...	Cynthia
Bruce Abbott	...	Dr. Alex Karmen
Richard Lynch	...	Harris
Dean Cameron	...	Ralph
Harris Yulin	...	Dr. Berrisford
Susan Barnes	...	Connie
John Scott Clough	...	Victor
Elizabeth Daily	...	Lana (as E.G. Daily)
Damita Jo Freeman	...	Gilda
Louis Giambalvo	...	Ed
Susan Ruttan	...	Miriam
Sy Richardson	...	Detective Wasserman
Melissa Francis	...	Young Cynthia (as Missy Francis)
Sheila Scott-Wilkenson	...	Hettie (as Sheila Scott Wilkinson)
Ben Kronen	...	Edgar

Storyline

In the mid-'70s, a cult group called Unity Field commits mass suicide, but a young girl survives. After being in a coma for thirteen years she wakes up in a psyche ward, not remembering the incident. The psychiatrist tries to help her remember, but she begins seeing the leader of the cult talking to her from the grave, and the other members of her therapy group begin to commit suicide around her. Or is it suicide?

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Plot Keywords:

cult | encouraged to commit suicide | sole survivor | coma | 1970s | 

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Taglines:

When the nightmares come to life, the fight for survival begins.

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Genres:

Horror | Thriller

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 April 1988 (USA)

Also Known As:

La pesadilla mortal

Box Office

Budget:

$4,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$4,008,870, 10 April 1988, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$9,797,098

Company Credits

Production Co:

No Frills Film Production

Technical Specs

Runtime:

84 min (FMC Library Print)

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Directorial debut of Andrew Fleming.

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Quotes

Harris: [while giving a TV interview] I could kill you right now, couldn't I?
Reporter #1: You could.
Harris: [laughs] But I won't.

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Connections

Referenced in Ghost (1990)

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Soundtracks

My Way
Performed by Mamby Pamby & The Smooth Putters

User Reviews

No sweet dreams.

I'm kind of caught here. I somewhat liked it, but came away rather under-whelmed because it was all too familiar and there was something more interesting within this strange horror/thriller premise than what was chalked up. Even with some creative cracks, it should've been better. The story's direction seems a little uneven if it wants to go out to shock (a good amount of blood splatter is spilt), or play its cards for psychological torment. Something about it never entirely fulfils. The performances are the main reason this one doesn't slip off the mind too quick. The beautiful Jennifer Rubin is exceptional in brining out a vulnerable side, which is counter-punched by determination. Alongside her are a very good Bruce Abbott and a towering Richard Lynch brings an uneasy subtly to his menacing character. Harris Yulin, Sy Richardson, Susan Ruttan and an amusingly batty Dean Cameron chip in with durable support. Andrew Fleming's leisured direction is stylish, but has that breakable quality to it. Good use of lighting, colouring and composition in pockets drips of atmosphere. The material is enjoyable (if minimal), as the protagonist tries to overcome the hallucinations that might be because of her unstable state of mind or the simple reality of being haunted by a restless spirit. There's some black humour evident, but the by-the-numbers script goes about things rather seriously. As well it has a fine and compelling soundtrack to boot. The special effects and make-up FX stands-up well enough. A decent little film.