Who doesn’t love a good cheesy 80’s horror film? Let me introduce you to Nightbeast (1982). Directed by Don Dohler, not to mention it is also a Troma production, is the kind of movie you can’t help but love for all the wrong reasons. It kicks off with an alien monster crashing into a small town, and things quickly spiral into a chaotic bloodbath as the creature starts tearing through the locals. Sure, the acting is rough, the special effects are hilariously dated, and the plot is as thin as they come, but that’s exactly what makes it so much fun. The super low-budget just adds a charm that 80’s horror just hits when you’re looking for a good time. 
The creature design is worth the watch alone. It’s a hulking, humanoid figure covered in rough, leathery skin with an almost insect-like vibe. The most unsettling part? Its face, which is a mix of reptilian and alien features, complete with razor-sharp, jagged teeth that look like they could tear through anything. Its eyes are wide and eerie, giving it a constant, menacing glare. With its massive claws and strange, chest-mounted blaster, it’s a terrifying sight as it lumbers through the town, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. It’s definitely a creature that makes you think twice about what’s lurking in the dark.
The plot is not the important part here. When over half of the movie is just the locals from this town trying to stop this crazy looking alien (the nightbeast) with guns in a laser fight in the middle of an open field. Just sit back and enjoy the cheap special effects for what they are.
Nightbeast is often discussed as a perfect example of 80s B-movie creature features. It represents a certain kind of horror that isn’t focused on deep storytelling or character development but rather on spectacle, gore, and fun. It’s a movie that doesn’t aim for high art, but it taps into the joy of campy horror, which is part of why it still resonates with fans today.
I think it’s very fun when you see films like this that have a strong support from the horror community. Every horror fan has a few underrated or under appreciated 80’s horror films to recommend to one another. It is one thing that I particularly love about the genre. If you want a fun one with no plot, bad acting, and a cool alien with a laser gun, then Nightbeast is one to check out!
Here is my Letterboxd review: https://letterboxd.com/jacksonmonks/film/nightbeast/
Feel free to follow as I add each film I watch in this horror journey!