Behind the Blades is a fascinating behind-the-scenes documentary focused on making Dylan’s New Nightmare, a fan film by Josh Schultz of Mort House Films Productions set in the world of A Nightmare on Elm Street. This project is inspiring because it was entirely crowdfunded, with no revenue gained—just a group of passionate creators bringing their vision to life.

I was totally engrossed in the documentary as it delved deeply into the production process. It discusses particular sequences, stunt choreography, and how the crew enhanced the horror with lighting, atmosphere, and cinematography. There are plenty of practical effects, and yes—tons of blood.

Freddy Krueger’s prosthetics and makeup were among the most striking features. He had an amazing appearance. You could see the work that went into creating each gory detail, and the scars, burns, and gore were remarkably realistic. It serves as a reminder of how powerful real-world impacts may be when handled carefully.

There’s no reason not to see the documentary and the fan video if you enjoy the Nightmare on Elm Street series. Anyone interested in independent filmmaking should watch this, even without involvement with the franchise. After five years of tenacity and dedication, the team completed the project in 2023, having begun work on it in 2018, demonstrating the perseverance, ingenuity, and unwavering resolve needed to accomplish anything this enormous. This is something that we all can learn from in our own lives. 

Whether you’re curious about how horror films are made or want to watch some behind-the-scenes carnage and craftsmanship, Behind the Blades is a perfect way to spend an hour.