I always like to state that there should be no excuse to see foreign films. I tell people that they should not let an inch of text at the bottom stop them from watching films from different countries. There are so many brilliant storytellers from all over the world, with different ideas and perspectives waiting to be discovered. That's why I love watching and covering films like these. I was extremely lucky to check out the incredible foreign film Sleep, directed by Jason Yu, which offers a unique perspective on the horror genre by delving into the frightening world of sleep disorders. It's something that I have never seen before and was hooked from the start. It shows what potential real-life horror looks like at a personal level, the unfortunate reality that people do suffer from similar sleep disorders and their stories.
The movie revolves around the lives of Soo-jin and Hyun-su, a newlywed couple deeply in love, until their harmonious existence is disrupted by Hyun-su's debilitating sleep disorder. Portrayed by the talented Jung Yu-mi and Lee Sun-kyun, the couple embarks on a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns as they struggle to navigate the challenges posed by Hyun-su's condition while trying to maintain their relationship. There is a constant theme of togetherness in this movie. The movie really shows the lengths these two will go to make their relationship work. The passion of their love is the main driving force of their decisions, and that was really cool to watch. No matter the obstacles they faced, they tried their best to fight together.
Sleep wastes no time in establishing a sense of unease, opening with an intense and alarming scene that immediately sets the tone for the rest of the film. The masterful use of tension and suspense throughout the movie had me gripping the edge of my seat, contemplating hitting the pause button due to the overwhelming fear that crept over me. The cinematography and lighting are brilliantly utilized to create an atmosphere of impending dread, effectively capturing the audience's attention and setting the stage for the horrors to come. Every night seemed like a new nightmare that felt wrong. That something was not right and that there seemed to always be a sense of danger. Sleepwalking is a very interesting topic, as the sleeper rarely knows what they are doing. They are unpredictable, and so much unknown makes the situation scarier. With each passing night, Hyun-su's sleep disorder manifests in increasingly bizarre and terrifying ways, sending Soo-jin and the audience spiraling into a world filled with uncertainty and driving us a bit mad.
In conclusion, Sleep is a well-crafted foreign film that offers a fresh perspective on the horror genre by exploring the fears associated with sleep disorders. With its blend of wholesome moments and genuinely scary sequences, the movie is a must-watch. Despite my reservations about the ending, Sleep succeeds in delivering a captivating and memorable viewing experience that will leave a lasting impression. Sleep sheds light on a real-life issue that many individuals grapple with, which I think is really important to share perspective on. I really do wish the ending went in a different direction for me, but I do appreciate the risks and swings they go for at the very end. This movie is a ton of fun and explores some new areas within the horror genre. A great thriller that will have you thinking about it far past the credits.
Rating: 76/100