[FILM REVIEW] SLEEP (2023)

SLEEP has to be one of the most thought-provoking movies of the year. Director Jason Yu debuted his movie SLEEP at Cannes Critics’ Week this 2023. The film was hailed as “the most unique horror film and the smartest debut film” that Bong Joon Ho (known for directing Parasite) has seen in 10 years. Lee Sun Kyun and Jung Yu Mi star in this provocative thriller film, which will get viewers thinking about what will happen next as they continue watching the movie.

A Strange Phenomenon

It all started when Soo Jin (Jung Yu Mi) witnessed her husband Hyun Su (Lee Sun Kyun) telling her that “someone’s outside”. While it may seem like a normal occurrence to many, the circumstances are not as such. Hyun Su is in a deep sleep, as he utters those two words to his wife. What follows is a series of incidents that occur as a result of Hyun Su’s sleepwalking. Both husband and wife are loving towards each other, with Soo Jin working an office job while Hyun Su is a struggling actor. They are expecting a baby, which is the reason why Soo Jin gets increasingly worried as Hyun Su’s sleepwalking starts taking a dark turn.

A Little Effort Goes a Long Way…?

A persevering pair, both of them consult a professional to assist with Hyun Su’s eerie behaviour. However, even after being diagnosed with REM sleep behaviour disorder and receiving treatment, Hyun Su’s condition continues to get even worse. Thus, Soo Jin’s fear for the safety of her child gets bigger as each day passes. However, Hyun Su understands his wife’s worries and tries to offer solutions that he feels will help alleviate her fears.

On the other hand, Soo Jin feels as though they are “giving up” if they have to resort to such means. She keeps insisting that they are not a “dysfunctional family” and to react in such a manner that displays a hint of “dysfunctionality” is seen as giving up. As such, the husband and wife try their best to work through the issue they are currently facing. How far will they go to see the matter through till the end?

Review

SLEEP is definitely a film that will have viewers put on their thinking caps. Once one has reached the end of the movie, there is a niggling feeling to watch the movie again just to confirm certain incidents or to lay doubts to rest. Get ready to experience a rollercoaster ride of emotions — from fear to shock to incredulity. There is a lot to take in, and movie goers will find themselves feeling confused and empty at the end of the film.

Jung Yu Mi portrays Soo Jin perfectly, showcasing a myriad of emotions that make viewers empathise with her situation. On the other hand, Lee Sun Kyun takes on Hyun Su’s character head-on and in his own way, displays his love for his wife from the start till the end.

Soo Jin’s insistence on not wanting to appear as a “dysfunctional family” seems laughable as the film nears the end. It makes viewers wonder about the what-ifs should Soo Jin and Hyun Su decide to react in a different manner — be it due to the absence of certain people in their lives or due to a different environment. 

Where does one draw the line? Will the insistence to deny a horrendous act gradually lead to disaster? What is real, and what is not real? These are the questions that movie goers will find themselves asking after watching the movie.

SLEEP is now showing in cinemas! Don’t miss this chance to catch this mind-boggling thriller film!

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Running Time: 95 minutes
The Seoul Story’s Rating: 4/5 

Written by: Aqilah
Photos by: Purple Plan

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