A remake of a 1947 film by the same name, Nightmare Alley follows the story of a carny who is known to manipulate people meets a psychiatrist who is more conniving that he had ever imagined. After a long time, I came across a film whose story was rather unassuming so much so that it took me a while to settle in. The screenplay is a slow burner but a piece of writing which requires your undivided attention. The biggest of events are passed off here in the most subtle and unassuming manner. After a chilling opening scene, the drama takes time to buildup as you are transported into the era of the 1940s. So you are introduced to some interesting characters including the protagonist who you would instantly notice as someone having grey shades. As the drama trots forward, a massive twist in the tale changes fortunes for the protagonist. But as they say – what goes around comes around. The subtle yet terrific twists in this slow burner are enough to keep you invested but mind you – you need to be patient with this drama. There are rewards to be had as the drama progresses. While most of the drama is conversational, the drama switches gears in the final 40 minutes with a string of events leading upto a final act which is utmost satisfying. The dark humour is sprinkled throughout the narrative making the screenplay subtly brilliant.