Sleep (2023/ Korean/ Psychological Thriller/ Prime Video)
Writer Director – Jason Yu
Cast- Jung Yu-mi ,Lee Sun-kyun
Do you like the kind of thrillers that are psychological , with intense mystery or intrigue, with undertones that need to be deciphered, a tinge of satire or dark comedy that makes them genre bending , with dark atmospherics that lend tense moments ?
If you are a fan of this genre, then read on.
Korean cinema excels in doling out such thrillers. There’s a certain pace they follow which could be termed “slow burn” but it blends well with the over all feel.
“Sleep” is a film that could possibly give you some “no sleep” moments. Deliciously genre bending, it’s divided into 3 chapters, each one lending a very different tone to the film.
It introduces us to a young couple with a cute and cosy life….well, almost.
The husband snores. Now most of us, whose spouses do, would empathise with the wife who copes up well.
It is when he starts sleep walking and sleep talking, is when her problem turns severe and we start worrying for her.
The heavily pregnant woman finds it increasingly difficult to handle the bizarre nocturnal behaviour, yet is totally committed even though the husband is diagnosed with a sleep disorder that could render him dangerous to himself or others.
Despite all their precautionary measures , prescribed medication and schedules, the situation gets more precarious as the baby arrives.
To add to mystery and darkness, a shaman introduces an angle of possible third entity , which neither the couple want to believe in , nor you.
As the story proceeds, the poor wife is worried mad about her child and you, about her mental state.
It would be criminal if I give away any more of the plot than is indicated in the well cut trailer.
This film that won many nominations and a couple of awards, is an impressive debut by writer director Jason Yu , who has earlier assisted Bong Joon Ho( the Oscar winning Parasite’s director).
The film has a crisp duration of about 105 minutes and maintains a relentless pace. There’s an intense mystery and foreboding atmosphere every time it is night time. The fear of the unknown gives us racing pulse. But the tension is often broken and interspersed with light moments when it turns day.
The feeling of dread is almost akin to watching those horrors in which you know “ ki ab rat ho gayi, ab toh kuch hone wala hai “
Except that in this case, you do not know “ki kya hone wala hai “
The performances by both leads and specially Jung you mi is very understated. You feel her angst, bewilderment and distress.The character had the potential but not once does she go overboard.
The story gives astute scientific explanation which the rational mind accepts and yet manages to create sufficient doubt. So imagine the distress of the wife.
Watch it for the offbeat story , the treatment, atmospherics , the terrifying moments , the almost killing tension, the psychological angle and the impression it leaves on your mind.
The film leaves you dwelling there much after it has ended.
BHAVNA TALKIES 