‘No Sleep Till’ Review: A Tropical Storm Threatens a Florida Town in a Mesmerizing Debut

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Alexandra Simpson’s first novel, titled “No Sleep Till“, commences with a chilling broadcast. Through the radio waves in Florida, a gravelly voice delivers a tropical storm alert to the region. The tone is serious yet casual, reflecting the regularity of such occurrences. As the voice recites weather advisory figures, urging locals to evacuate, we observe people carrying on with their daily routines. Swimming laps in the pool need to be done, damp hair needs to be dried, and dogs require feeding.

In Jacksonville, where Simpson’s movie is set, people are preparing to celebrate, seemingly believing that the only way to react to a gloomy ambiance is with one final, exuberant bash. They ignite fireworks and blast music, dancing energetically. Collaborating with Swiss cinematographer Sylvain Marco Froidevaux, Simpson portrays these gatherings as ethereal specters wandering through an apocalyptic landscape.

As a gamer, I’m eagerly anticipating the release of “No Sleep Till” this coming Friday at select theaters. This film, initially premiered at Venice last year and distributed by Factory 25, is a compelling collection of vignettes that cumulatively paint a picture of coastal malaise and the escalating anxiety of climate despair.

“No Sleep Till” adds to a growing roster of films tackling the subject of climate change, doing so subtly by weaving the harsh realities of the crisis into its narrative. The movie stands out for its portrayal of a peculiar form of climate adaptation, where individuals seem resigned to their fate in the face of the elements. This is particularly evident in the families who don’t even consider evacuation as an option.

In a fashion similar to her peers, Simpson, who is responsible for directing, writing, and editing the film titled “No Sleep Till“, narrates a story that isn’t linear with hints of poetic nuances. This production belongs to the collective named Omnes Film, whose past works include Tyler Taormina’s “Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point” and Carson Lund’s “Eephus“. Like these other productions, “No Sleep Till” innovatively approaches a familiar narrative primarily by manipulating atmosphere. The movie unfolds at the leisurely pace of a hazy summer afternoon. As we stroll from one scene to another, we catch snippets of dialogue and gradually reconstruct tales spanning entire lives. This tempo imbues the film with a dreamlike sensation that lingers. One instant, we observe figures moving against the backdrop of a sunset’s deep purple hue; the next, we witness pool cleaners diligently at work. Throughout this journey, the soft humming sounds of nature encompass us.

Initially, there seems to be no traditional storyline; however, the film No Sleep Till eventually focuses on three distinct tales. In one scenario, a storm chaser, portrayed by Taylor Benton who is known for chasing tornadoes and cyclones in reality, endeavors to get nearer to an approaching tropical cyclone. As townsfolk evacuate, he moves in the opposite direction, engaging in brief and occasionally insightful conversations with locals along the way.

In an alternate narrative, we encounter a young lady named June (played by Brynne Hofbauer). At first, we find her enjoying a swim at the pool. As events unfold, the setting begins to resemble a deserted township. A scene unfolds where June receives a note from a friend. The message expresses well-wishes and farewell, both written on a small piece of paper. This note serves as a symbol of another grim truth that accompanies these extreme weather conditions: the forced separation of friends and even loved ones.

In my opinion, one captivating tale that resonates deeply is the one centered around comedian Will (Jordan Coley) and his pal Mike (Xavier Brown-Sanders). This story takes us on their journey northward to evade an approaching storm, yet it’s not just about escaping disaster; it’s also about pursuing dreams of comedic stardom. Amidst the backdrop of climate uncertainty, this tale beautifully emphasizes the power of friendship and the importance of holding onto aspirations.

The bond between Will and Mike feels genuine and understated – their dialogue, as Will pushes for departure while Mike yearns to stay, is both endearing and bittersweet. Their discussions shift from refining their comedy routines to deciding on cities they’ll visit en route to Philadelphia. The story reaches a heartfelt climax when they engage in a profound conversation about taking risks and the thrill of “doing something,” as Mike puts it.

Despite the fierce storm relentlessly surging towards the coast, the folks in this town persist in their actions. This resilience, portrayed so subtly in Simpson’s humble yet confident film, seems to be the most powerful lesson conveyed.

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2025-07-16 20:54