The Horror Movie That Puts You to Sleep?
Prepare to be intrigued and a little disappointed with Brandon Auman's Sleepwalker, a feature-length adaptation of his own short film. This horror movie, starring the talented Hayden Panettiere, explores the dark and haunting world of a grieving mother's nightmares, but does it deliver the chills it promises?
A Mother's Tragic Tale
Meet Sarah, a woman still reeling from multiple traumas. The loss of her young daughter, Aimee, is compounded by an abusive husband who fell into a coma, leaving Sarah in a legal limbo. The film hints at a violent death for Aimee, adding to Sarah's grief. Panettiere's portrayal of this complex character is compelling, but the story takes an unexpected turn as Sarah's grief manifests in a unique way.
Sleepwalking into Nightmares
As Sarah struggles to process her tragedy, she finds solace in sleepwalking. This unusual coping mechanism fuels her nightmares, creating a blur between reality and dreams. The film teases us with jump scares, but the true horror lies in the familiar, nagging feeling that something is amiss. It's a clever twist, but the execution leaves something to be desired.
Emotional Range: Limited, Yet Haunting
Sleepwalker aims to capture the raw emotions of grief, but its emotional range feels restricted. The attempts at comic relief, mostly delivered by Beverly D'Angelo as the hippie grandmother, fall flat. While the film doesn't aim for cheerfulness, the constant dreariness becomes exhausting. Every scene seems to drag us deeper into a depressing tone, making it a challenging watch.
A Surreal Experience, Intentional or Not?
The acting and cinematography of Sleepwalker create a surreal atmosphere, almost as if we're watching a dream within a dream. The production values are modest, and the performances feel awkward at times. This unintentional dreaminess adds an intriguing layer to the film, but it doesn't elevate the overall experience. The atmosphere remains consistent, but the story fails to offer any new insights into the grief horror genre.
The Controversial Ending
And here's where it gets controversial: the punchy ending, while unexpected, doesn't justify the journey. It leaves us questioning if the story would have been better suited as a shorter segment, rather than a full-length feature. The film feels stretched, and the impact is diminished.
Final Thoughts
Sleepwalker, available on VOD and select theaters from January 9, is a unique take on grief horror. While it has its moments, the overall experience is lacking. It's a film that will leave you with mixed feelings, and we'd love to hear your thoughts! Do you agree with our assessment? Is there a hidden gem we missed? Let us know in the comments!
