A Critical Eye: Don't Sleep Film Review

Writer-director Rick Bieber's 2017 horror film 'Don't Sleep' centres on young lovers Shawn and Zach, who move into a cottage together. As bizarre and violent episodes start to take hold of Zach, he slowly remembers a forgotten time in his childhood that may have been the result of demonic possession. The film stars Dominic Sherwood, Cary Elwes, Charlbi Dean Kriek, Jill Hennessy, Alex Rocco, and Drea de Matteo.

Don't Sleep's plot and premise

"Don't Sleep" is a 2017 horror film written and directed by Rick Bieber. The plot centres around Zach, a young man who is plagued by nightmares and afraid to sleep. The film begins with a prologue of Zach as a young boy (played by Dash Williams) experiencing a terrifying nightmare. We then see him visit a therapist, Dr. Summers (Cary Elwes), who reassures him that it was just a bad dream.

The film then jumps forward several years to Zach as a law student (now played by Dominic Sherwood). He and his girlfriend Shawn (Charlbi Dean Kriek) move into a guest house on an estate owned by Mr. and Mrs. Marino (Alex Carter and Drea de Matteo). At first, their life seems idyllic, but soon bizarre and violent events start to occur, and Zach's behaviour becomes erratic.

As the film progresses, Zach slowly remembers forgotten memories from his childhood, including a time when he suffered from what appeared to be severe psychosis or demonic possession. He seeks help from Dr. Sommers, the same therapist he saw as a child. As the mystery unfolds, Zach becomes convinced that Dr. Sommers and Shawn know more than they are letting on. The film concludes with a twist ending that suggests that Zach is not solely responsible for his actions.

The premise of "Don't Sleep" explores the trauma of confronting a dark past and the impact of that trauma on one's loved ones. The film attempts to blend horror tropes and supernatural elements with a thoughtful exploration of personal responsibility and the potential for darkness within oneself.

The film's cast and performances

The cast of "Don't Sleep" is led by Dominic Sherwood as Zach, a young man who, along with his girlfriend Shawn (Charlbi Dean Kriek), moves into a cottage or guest house and starts experiencing violent episodes and nightmares that bring back memories of a forgotten time in his childhood. Shawn is described as "beautiful" and "gorgeous", and takes a shower in one scene, conforming to horror movie tropes.

Cary Elwes plays Dr. Richard Sommers, a therapist who treats Zach as a child and then again as an adult. Other supporting characters include Zach's childhood friend Timmy, played by Andrew Caldwell or Andrew Lewis Caldwell, and the married couple Jo and Vincent Marino, played by Drea de Matteo and Alex Carter, who own the guest house that Zach and Shawn move into.

Alex Rocco plays Mr. Marino, Vincent's father, in his final screen role before his death. Jill Hennessy plays Zach's mother, and Marem Hassler plays Dr. Sommers' wife, Sandy.

One review notes that the film has "stellar performances all around", and that Elwes "hasn't been this strong in years". Another review says that the film wastes the talents of its several veteran performers.

Directing, cinematography, and visuals

Writer-director Rick Bieber's horror film "Don't Sleep" has received mixed reviews for its directing, cinematography, and visuals. While some critics have praised the film's impressive effects, others have found it underwhelming and disappointing.

The film follows young lovers Shawn and Zach as they move into a cottage or guest house and confront the horrors of Zach's forgotten childhood. The plot involves violent episodes, demonic possession, and a mysterious shrink. Bieber's directing has been described as lacking visual panache, with the film resembling a Lifetime channel movie with standard medium shots. However, the special effects makeup by Chris Mills III and his team has been praised as outlandish, gnarly, and impressive.

The cinematography and visuals of "Don't Sleep" have been a point of contention among critics. On the one hand, some have found the film tedious and sleep-inducing, with nothing memorable in terms of visuals. On the other hand, others have praised the well-developed characters and the acting performances, which add realism to the horror. The film's low budget has also been noted, with some critics finding that it constrained the directing and visual aspects.

Overall, while "Don't Sleep" may not excel in cinematography and visuals, it has been recognised for its impressive special effects and makeup, which create outlandish and gnarly imagery. The lack of visual panache and tension might disappoint viewers expecting a traditional horror experience.

Special effects and makeup

The special effects makeup for the various nightmare visions in Don't Sleep is one of the few aspects of the film that receives consistent praise from critics.

One review notes that the film features "impressive special effects makeup for the various nightmare visions, a crazy twist, solid acting, and an excellent score." The creatures' design, including a mask that becomes very significant, is described as "elegant and phenomenal", especially considering the film's low budget. The amount of detail in the special effects makeup is said to be "staggering", with credit given to special effects makeup artist Chris Mills III and his team.

The film's director, Rick Bieber, is praised for his "original plot" and "excellent grasp" on the characters and the horrors they experience. However, his directing skills are criticised, with one review noting that "a lot of the movie looks like a Lifetime channel movie, with standard medium shots and little else to really captivate the audience on a visual level."

Despite the positive comments on the special effects and makeup, overall, the film receives mostly negative reviews, with criticism directed at the plot, pacing, and character development.

Don't Sleep's critical reception

The 2017 horror film "Don't Sleep" received generally negative reviews from critics, with many pointing out its confusing plot and lack of scares.

One review from RogerEbert.com calls the film "ambitious, but ultimately misconceived," praising its exploration of profound themes but criticising its convoluted story and failure to deliver on its promising subject matter. The review also highlights the film's disappointing twist ending and its treatment of female characters, which borders on victim-blaming.

The Hollywood Reporter's review calls "Don't Sleep" a "tedious slog of a horror movie," criticising its heavy-handed use of philosophical quotes and its failure to deliver genuine scares. The review also notes the film's waste of talented veteran performers, including Alex Rocco, for whom this was his final screen role.

Other reviews echo similar sentiments, with one viewer commenting that the film is "so underwhelming that it crosses over into being flat-out boring." The film's plot is described as awkward and confusing, with one reviewer stating that the ending only adds to the confusion.

However, some reviewers found positive elements within the film. One review from filmthreat.com highlights the film's "witty script and perfect casting." Another review on Metacritic acknowledges the film's intellectual appeal but criticises its execution, calling it "heartless, fright-free and, yes—sleep-inducing."

Despite its negative reception, "Don't Sleep" boasts impressive special effects, good acting, and a compelling plot, even if it fails to deliver on its promise as a horror film.

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