Nightbooks

Synopsis

Nightbooks is a 2021 dark fantasy horror film centered on Alex, a young boy with a vivid imagination and a love for scary stories. After moving to a new apartment, Alex finds himself trapped by a mysterious witch, played by Krysten Ritter, who demands he tell her a new scary story each night to keep his life. With the help of another captive, Yasmin, Alex embarks on a frightening adventure that challenges his storytelling skills and his courage. The film combines elements of horror, fantasy, and adventure while addressing themes of creativity, bravery, and friendship. Nightbooks offers a spooky yet kid-friendly tale that balances eerie suspense with heartfelt moments.

Cast

• 

  Winslow Fegley

  Alex

• 

  Lidya Jewett

  Yasmin

• 

  Krysten Ritter

  Natacha

• 

  Jill Frappier

  Grizelda

• Neil Emmanuel Lu

  Joshua

• 

  Jess Brown

  Mom

Reviews

Nightbooks has generally received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film boasts an impressive 90% approval rating, indicating strong favorability among critics who praised its imaginative storytelling and family-friendly approach to horror. Many reviews highlighted Krysten Ritter’s captivating performance as the witch and the effective blend of creepiness and warmth that makes the movie accessible to younger viewers. The movie earned a Metacritic score of 65 out of 100, suggesting generally favorable reviews, with critics noting that while Nightbooks may not fully satisfy hardcore horror fans due to its toned-down fright elements, it is an engaging and entertaining watch for families and children. On IMDb, the film has a moderate rating of 5.8/10, reflecting a mix of opinions among general viewers — some appreciating its creativity and atmospheric tension, while others found the plot somewhat predictable. Overall, Nightbooks is celebrated for its originality, entertaining performances, and the ability to introduce younger audiences to the horror genre without overwhelming them.