After punching the director on the set of his latest horror picture, special effects makeup artist, Martin Blaine, is compelled to seek anger management therapy. A visit with a hypnotist seems to help, but soon after his session, Martin receives disturbing news. His estranged mother has passed away under mysterious circumstances. Martin returns to Baronville, Pop. 3800, and before long, people begin to drop dead, brutally torn apart by what appears to be a predatory monster. The local Sheriff is convinced Martin is somehow responsible, and Martin himself comes to believe it as all of the victims are connected to him, and all of the attacks correspond with his vivid nightmares. Before long, a man who makes monsters for a living must confront his own inner demon made flesh before it destroys everyone he comes in contact with.