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The Unloved, Part 38: Nightbreed

Clive Barker spent his life talking about the line between dimensions; between life and death. He experienced his own form of beautiful resurrection when his mangled cult film "Nightbreed," based on his own novel Cabal, was restored and finally released. This marvelous zombie was finally given its due after almost 25 years underground and out of mind. 

This Unloved is for everyone who has ever gone to the movies for comfort when reality is too much. For everyone who waited to vote for a good cause. For everyone whose family doesn't understand who they are. Everyone who chose a profession that can't support them, even over the protestation of those closest to them. Everyone who follows their dream. Everyone who's ever been called a name because of something they can't and wouldn't change. This is for everyone terrified because of the way our government has decided to treat its people. This is for my brother Robin, the bravest person I know, and my nephew Oliver, who has no idea how hard we're all trying to make the world hospitable for when he grows up. May tomorrow always be brighter. I swear to never shut up as long as I have a platform. 

This is for Clive Barker, for helping kids like me conquer our fears. This is for Veronika Ferdman, who celebrates her birthday today and who like me finds solace in film when the world is too much for us to take and our hearts want to quit. This is for everyone who's ever laughed with me no matter how terrible the world has been to us. Everyone whose made me feel like I belong here. I hope I can return the kindness. 


The Unloved - Nightbreed from Scout Tafoya on Vimeo.

To watch more of Scout Tafoya's video essays from his series The Unloved, click here.

Scout Tafoya

Scout Tafoya is a critic and filmmaker who writes for and edits the arts blog Apocalypse Now and directs both feature length and short films.

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