Fan films erupted post 2000 with an emergence of fun takes on the iconic “Star Wars” films. It was only a matter of time until the passionate horror fans started adapting their favorite films into their own works. With technology becoming cheaper and free streaming services offering an outlet to show these productions, the last few years have seen a tremendous influx on well done fan films. Producer/Director/Writer, Braden Timmons, brings his passion for the Halloween franchise to the screen with his new fan film, “The Haddonfield Nightmare.” With three different timelines flowing through the Halloween series, Mr. Timmons choses a direct sequel to “H2O.”
Two decades have passed since the attacks in Summer Glen California. Laurie Strode has since died and her son John Tate lives with his daughter Lauren back in Haddonfield. John is now a professor of psychology at Haddonfield University, working in the Samuel Loomis department. His personal experience with iconic serial killer Michael Myers is chalked up to being a psychotic imposter, but John still subconsciously fears that the real Myers will return to Haddonfield. Attempting to not mentally strangle his daughter with the family’s dark past, as his mother did with him, John struggles to keep her safe while allowing her freedom to live her own life. Once bodies start piling up in similar fashion to the slaughter in ’78, John and the town begin to unravel in fear.
“The Haddonfield Nightmare” is a fantastic fan film littered with good performances, great shot selections, and a fun plot that will have franchise fans drooling for more. Cait Kelly stands up well as Strode’s granddaughter, a worthy addition to the iconic final girls of the series, but actor Peter Djuric steals the show for his portrayal of John Tate. Djuric’s calmness in chaos is at constant battle with his fear induced persona and paranoia, exemplified with several references to Laurie’s character in “H20.” From an obvious alcohol addiction to friction filled dialog with his daughter, Djuric perfectly personifies a middle-aged man who desperately attempts to keep the past from destroying his family’s future, both physically and psychologically. Djuric’s role is played to perfection and Timmons written version of an older John Tate is spot on. Timmons also litters the plot with fantastic franchises references, honoring characters of the past while introducing new lore to the legend. A new batch of Haddonfield’s finest, a staple in the series, also brings passion to the plot as they attempt to avoid the massacre of years ago while not trying to turn the town into a madhouse. Timmons also shines with his shot selection, using mirrors, windows, and the dark atmosphere of Haddonfield to show the shape in all of his stalking glory. Does this film have a few plot holes, some sub-par performances, and at times unnecessary b-roll sound? Yes, but it is not like the team is working with a multi-million-dollar budget and for what they had to work with, “The Haddonfield Nightmare” is nothing short of another fantastic fan film that holds up well with its big budget brothers.
Scream Score: 8.4/10