Guillermo del Toro ventures into new territory with his latest film, *Nightmare Alley*, which is set to open on December 17. Known for his richly fantastical films, del Toro shifts gears with this psychological thriller based on William Lindsay Gresham's 1946 novel. The film follows an ambitious carnival worker, played by Bradley Cooper, who possesses a knack for manipulation and partners with a dangerously perceptive psychiatrist, portrayed by Cate Blanchett. The star-studded cast also features Toni Collette, Willem Dafoe, Richard Jenkins, Rooney Mara, and Ron Perlman.

Unlike del Toro's previous work, *Nightmare Alley* eschews supernatural elements in favor of a gritty, reality-bound narrative. The director acknowledges that the film's title and his own reputation might lead audiences to expect another horror movie, similar to the confusion surrounding his earlier film *Crimson Peak*. However, del Toro emphasizes that this project is distinctly different, without any fantastical components typical of his style. This departure marks a bold move for del Toro, embracing a genre that challenges both his creative boundaries and audience expectations.