★★★★

Guillermo del Toro is a huge fan of monsters. Certainly, he is a great living ambassador for the hideous in all its perils and charms, with everything from prehistoric titans of Pacific Rim to the slew of beasties seen in Hellboy. The director, branching into new genre territory with his noir Nightmare Alley, explores new horizons for the monstrous through a compelling look at how human nature can turn dark.

Stanton Carlisle (Bradley Cooper) is a fugitive on the run. He arrives at a traveling carnival, where the lights and oddities immediately entrance him until he is hired by carnival owner Clem Hoately (Willem Dafoe). He eventually joins Zeena, an experienced clairvoyant (Toni Collette), and her alcoholic partner Pete (David Strathairn) at the carnival before becoming interested in their secrets and falling in love with Molly, another performer, and then leaving the show.

The film is, first and foremost, a breathtaking modern noir. Tamara Deverell’s production design is absolutely beautiful, transporting the viewers into the intriguing sleaze of traveling carnival life. Also, Dan Laustsen’s photography is likewise gorgeous and frightening, complementing the story perfectly. It’s easy to understand why Stan falls under its spell. Stanton Carlisle is a fascinating character, and Bradley Cooper does an excellent job in the lead role. His strategically brilliant preoccupation with his parlor tricks threatens to lead to his downfall, and the concluding part is powerful and wonderful. Cate Blanchett gives a brilliant, multifaceted, sultry, and compelling performance in her portrayal of psychologist Lilith Ritter. The rest of the cast shines throughout, and as a unit, they come together rather well.

Perhaps the film’s biggest flaw is its ending, which may be too clearly telegraphed. The distinction between foreshadowing and telegraphing is a fine one, and the film doesn’t quite hit the sweet spot. However, the solid script drives the tale forward without losing audience interest.

Until late in the film, it’s also surprisingly devoid of emotional complexity, which is usually present in del Toro films. The film resembles its namesake somewhat too closely, but this is merely a minor issue in a spectacular movie.

Overall, Nightmare Alley is a well-written and superbly performed masterpiece from a director at the top of his game. It’s a haunting illustration of humanity’s darker vices and how far someone may fall as a result of hubris. The film is a beautiful, immersive universe that is anchored by an excellent performance by Bradley Cooper, as well as one of the greatest femme Fatales in noir history.

A Best Picture contender, this film is not one for viewers to miss.