Sleepwalking Into Terror

Read Time:3 Minute, 46 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Sleep (Jam)
–

Genre: Dark Comedy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 34m
Director(s): Jason Yu
Writer(s): Jason Yu
Cast: Lee Sun-kyun, Jung Yu-mi
Where To Watch: in select theaters and on digital September 27, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: Jason Yu steps into the horror genre with his debut, SLEEP, crafting a narrative that thrives in the shadows of the every day turned menacing. The film's strength lies in its focus on a young couple, Hyun-su (Lee Sun-kyun) and Soo-jin (Jung Yu-mi,) whose once-peaceful existence is cracked by the eerie unknown. Hyun-su’s sleepwalking isn't just an odd phenomenon—it hints at something much darker, turning their apartment into a battleground of psychological warfare.

The film opens with a visual and thematic depth that sets the stage for a claustrophobic exploration of domestic terror. As the camera weaves through the increasingly stifling space of their home, it captures the growing tension between Hyun-su and Soo-jin. This tension is palpable, thanks to Sun-kyun's and Yu-mi's remarkable chemistry. Their performances transition from domestic bliss to terror, mapping a chilling descent into fear that tugs at the viewer's sense of security. The first half of SLEEP is a masterclass in building suspense, rooted deeply in the psychological rather than the supernatural.

However, as the narrative progresses, it veers unexpectedly into the supernatural realm. This pivot, while ambitious, disrupts the film's initial setup. The shift from an intense psychological focus to a broader supernatural theme might jar some viewers, diluting the relatable terror of the earlier exploration in the film. This move could alienate those invested in the film’s more realistic portrayal of psychological disturbance, steering the story toward a resolution that feels somewhat disjointed from its compelling beginning.

Yet, even with this shift, SLEEP secures its place as a significant entry in the horror genre. Yu's direction is meticulous and restrained, employing a minimalist cinematographic style that amplifies the emotional and psychological stakes. The true horror of SLEEP emerges from the subtle disturbances in the flow of everyday life, effectively turning the familiar into a source of dread.

Sun-kyun delivers a nuanced portrayal of Hyun-su's shift from a devoted husband to an increasingly menacing figure. Yu-mi’s portrayal of Soo-jin, caught in a terrifying spiral of doubt, fear, and the unknown, complements Lee's performance with emotional resilience. Together, they anchor the film’s thematic exploration of intimacy and distrust, ensuring the audience feels and fears the emotion on screen.

SLEEP offers a unique take on the horror genre that will likely resonate with those drawn to psychological thrillers that blur the line between the psychological and the paranormal. The film explores how personal spaces can turn into psychological prisons and how little we may know, even our closest loved ones, taps into a universal vein of fear and curiosity.

In essence, SLEEP serves as a haunting reminder of how thin the line is between normalcy and nightmare, making it a commendable debut for Jason Yu. The film presents enough intrigue and directorial vision to be a worthy watch for enthusiasts of nuanced horror that challenges the boundaries of reality and fiction. I promise you’ll never look at sleep the same way again.

#SleepMovie

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[photo courtesy of MAGNET RELEASING, MAGNOLIA PICTURES]

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