User Reviews

The third episode of season one and available on the Blu Ray box of the Nightmare On Elm Street franchise. This was much better then the other episode available on the box and eventually got a real story.

It do has some red stuff in it and the story is coherent but again it has nothing to do with Freddy Krueger. In fact, short stories like this should have a surprising end like in Tales From The Crypt but it just hasn't got any. You are left with a bitter feeling. Suddenly Freddy is there and you think, what the hell? And even the things Freddy says doesn't make any sense.

The directing was okay, Mick Garris did it and it all looked great. You better watch Masters Of Horror created by Mick. It's much better and do has a horror overflow.

Gore 0,5/5 Nudity 0/5 Effects 2/5 Story 2/5 Comedy 0/5

Killer Instinct takes us into the competitive world of high school athletics, where Chris Gordon, a once-promising 100-meter sprinter, faces a sudden downfall. After losing her edge and being dropped from the team, Chris is given a second chance by her coach, who gifts her a magical pendant that once belonged to her late mother. With the pendant's mysterious powers, Chris finds herself breaking records and regaining her former glory. However, as the pendant's capabilities extend beyond just enhancing her athletic performance, Chris must confront the dark side of her desires and the potential for great evil.

Directed by Mick Garris, known for his work on horror projects and adaptations, Killer Instinct marks a step up from the previous episodes in the Freddy's Nightmares series. While Freddy Krueger's involvement remains minimal, acting as a crypt keeper-like narrator, the episode introduces a more coherent plot. The story unfolds with the classic rivalry between Chris and her competitor, Nickie Ryan, and takes an unexpected twist when the focus shifts from Chris to Nickie.

Lori Petty shines in her role as Chris, infusing her character with a mix of determination and vulnerability. This performance stands out in comparison to the earlier episodes' acting. The narrative structure evolves beyond the one-dimensional storytelling of the first two episodes, offering a more engaging and intriguing plotline.

What sets Killer Instinct apart is the introduction of gore and horror elements that were lacking in the previous installments. The episode features scenes of severed fingers, bloody violence, and a decapitation that add a much-needed dose of tension and horror. While not particularly frightening, the gory moments enhance the overall experience.

Mick Garris's direction elevates the visual appeal of the episode, and the pacing feels more controlled compared to earlier entries. The story's unpredictability benefits from the switch in focus from Chris to Nickie, and the twist ending provides a sense of satisfaction that was missing in previous episodes.

However, Killer Instinct still falls short in some areas. Freddy's minimal presence and the lack of a direct connection to the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise continue to be disappointments. The episode could have benefited from more creative use of the magical pendant's powers and a deeper exploration of its origins.

In the end, Killer Instinct offers a more enjoyable viewing experience compared to its predecessors in Freddy's Nightmares. With an engaging plot, improved acting, and the introduction of gore, it manages to capture the essence of horror anthology storytelling while still leaving room for improvement in terms of tying it to the Freddy Krueger mythology.