"Fear your dreams" in Before I Wake. This supernatural dark fantasy horror film directed by Mike Flanagan, and written by Flanagan and Jeff Howard. Jessie and Mark decide to take in a sweet and loving 8-year-old boy, Cody. Unbeknownst to them, Cody is terrified of falling asleep. At first, they assume his previous unstable homes caused his aversion to sleep, but soon discover why: Cody's dreams manifest in reality as he sleeps. In one moment they experience the incredible wonder of Cody's imagination, and in the next, the horrific nature of his night terrors. To save their new family, Jessie and Mark embark on a dangerous hunt to uncover the truth behind Cody's nightmares.
In early September 2013, it was announced that Flanagan was set to direct a horror film called Somnia that he co-wrote with Howard. By early November, Kate Bosworth, Thomas Jane, Jacob Tremblay, Annabeth Gish, and Dash Mihok were cast. At the same time, principal photography commenced, and wrapped in mid December. Filming took place throughout Alabama. In early April 2014, Relativity Media acquired the US distribution rights to the film. In March 2015, the title was changed to Before I Wake, apparently over Flanagan's objections. The film was originally scheduled to be released on May 8, 2015, but was pushed back to September 25, 2015, and later pulled from the schedule due to the company's filing for bankruptcy. The film was rescheduled to April 8, 2016, and then rescheduled to September 9, 2016. It was then pulled from the schedule. In December 2017, it was revealed that Netflix had obtained United States rights to the film from Relativity Media, thus owning worldwide rights. Netflix released the film in the U.S. on January 5, 2018.
The film stars Bosworth, Jane, Tremblay, Gish, and Mihok. Ultimately, though, it is the characters that count. Flanagan and his cast gave emotional resonance to the story of a charming family undone by unexplained forces; and his actors go a long way in portraying this with honesty.
With an emphasis on dread over gore and an ending that leaves the door wide open for follow-ups, Before I Wake could be just the first spine-tingling chapter in a new franchise for discerning horror fans. It's a smarter-than-average nightmares-come-to-life movie that speaks to a couple of widespread anxieties-one topical, the other sadly timeless. Horror fans shouldn't miss the film; films as creepy as this one don't come along too often. The film does more to a familiar premise than most standard-issue scary movies out there. A clever storyline keeps the pace, although it could be argued the film had too many storylines going for its running time. The final product is a beautifully shot and wonderful acted entry in the never-ending pool of niche horror movies looking to shock, scare, and unnerve. It was actually awesome, even though I didn't have any expectations for it at all. I'm happy to tell you that this one was well thought-out with some great performances.
No comments:
Post a Comment