Images Courtesy of Magnolia Pictures
Jason's Yu layered and complex debut is one of the finest
films of the year. Seamlessly blending supernatural horror,
paranoia, and comedy, Sleep is an intriguing story about ghosts.
Both the spirits of the dead and the apparitions that haunt every
relationship. Featuring a terrific pair of lead performances, unsettling
imagery, and one of the most intense climaxes of recent memory, this is one of
the finest horror experiences of the year thus far.
Television actor Hyun-su begins to sleepwalk, seemingly changing into a different person entirely when he is asleep, committing terrifying and bizarre acts within his home. His pregnant wife Soo-jin, desperate to protect her family turns towards the occult when science seems unable to remedy the situation. Yu’s screenplay is not only sharp and witty, it is extremely intelligent, leaving everything for the viewer to decide. Reality is of import along with each character’s perception and the way Yu's command of dialogue joins with his sense of space and pacing is perfection.
Jung Yu-mi stars as Soo-jin along with Lee Sun-kyun as Hyum-su. Their chemistry is the entire framework of the narrative, and nothing else would work without these two talented actors giving it their all. This is, when pared down, ultimately a story about the trials and tribulations of marriage, and Yu's decision to leave things ambiguous is not only genius, but it is enhanced by Yu-mi and Sun-kyun. One approach is stepped in science and tangible reality while the other is anchored to generational suspicion and occultism, yet both are focused on preserving the relationship. When the two meet in a hilarious and terrifying finale, many questions remain unanswered, yet, viewers will come away satisfied. This is an experience in which how the viewer leaves will depend on what experiences they bring with them.
Tae-soo Kim's eerie cinematography, combined with stellar set design is what drives everything home. The bulk of the action is within the house of the couple, and its transition from happy, almost sterile new home to a veritable madhouse of talismans and curios is done with devious perfection, ensuring that terror to come is right at home, along with one of the best comedic scenes of the year.
Debuting in theaters and online for digital rental tomorrow, Sleep is a chilling examination of the lengths that one will go to save the ones they love, while also implicating the reality that sometimes, relationships are not perfect, they are houses built by mutual trust and consensus. The yield is an unforgettable, wholly original debut by what is certain to be a force to be reckoned with in the cinematic community.
--Kyle Jonathan