Faced with his own mortality, an ingenious alchemist tried to perfect an invention that would provide him with the key to eternal life. It was called the Cronos device. When he died more than 400 years later, he took the secrets of this remarkable device to the grave with him. Or at least he took it to the hollowed out base of a statue, which is where an elderly antiques dealer has found it. The more he uses the device, the younger he becomes … but nothing comes without a price. And if he’s unable or unwilling to pay that price, perhaps his young granddaughter Aurora will.

Guillermo del Toro’s first feature, Cronos clearly points out the direction his early career will take — intensely dramatic horror (or intensely horrific dramas), driven by captivating performance, in modern or contemporary settings with ornate gothic production design and mythological overtones. He arrived with an aesthetic fully formed. And we should know, having premiered Cronos on its initial release in 1992.

This screening is held in the Taylor Screening Room. At ticket purchase, you will be asked to select your reserved seat(s). Seating is limited; it is recommended to purchase tickets ahead of time.

VIEW the full 2026 “A Nightmare on Franklin Street” series lineup.