Sleep Review: This South Korean Chiller Will Keep You Awake

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As a film enthusiast with a penchant for the eerie and the unexplained, I must say that “Sleep” has left me sleepless at night – in a good way! The South Korean horror-thriller, starring the late great Lee Sun-kyun from “Parasite,” is a unique addition to the genre, blending relatable themes with a supernatural twist.

When you might think your sleepwalking or talking is unusual, the acclaimed South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun from “Parasite” has a fresh performance this week that will make you question the extent of your own issues compared to his character’s troubles. Throughout the years, there have been many impressive films about sleeplessness, but “Sleep” stands out as an innovative and distinct addition to this genre collection. It explores a blend of genres and touches upon several familiar themes such as family dynamics, love, sacrifice, and more, in a truly unique way.

A recently released Korean horror-mystery titled “Exhuma” has been creating a chilling atmosphere blending supernatural elements with contemporary Asian culture. In contrast, the upcoming movie “Sleep“, helmed by director Jason Yu, is inspired by an entirely distinct storyline. The narrative unfolds as a young couple, overjoyed with their newborn baby, face numerous obstacles when one of them exhibits strange behavior at specific hours of the day. So buckle up, everyone!

It Comes at Night…

Perhaps you might be contemplating that the remarkable South Korean movie world could have chosen a more inventive and sturdy title than just “Sleep” for this one. However, consider this – how frequently do we find ourselves saying this solitary word as perhaps a straightforward command to oneself, a companion, or even a young child? “Go to sleep!” It can certainly provoke irritation in those struggling with sleep anxiety, but Wu’s new film delves deeper into the concept of sleep.

Are you experiencing such deep sleep these days that it seems like you’re drifting into an unconscious state during the nighttime hours, engaging in activities like walking, eating, or becoming aggressive without even realizing it? This could be on the border of extraordinary, and many people can empathize with being jabbed by their partner while they’re sound asleep. Taking this a step further, some might find lying next to an unconscious partner at night unsettling as well.

Juicy Suspense Starts to Build

The captivating latest horror-thriller focuses on the content couple, Hyun-su (Sun-kyun) and Soo-jin (Jung Yu-mi), who seem blissfully happy together at their initial introduction. As it turns out, Hyun-su is a bustling actor, juggling his profession along with the impending fatherhood once their newborn arrives. While a baby can indeed disrupt your life significantly, it’s one of the adults in this story that initiates the domestic chaos.

Initially, it seems harmless yet unsettling as Hyun-su starts mumbling in his sleep and repeating the phrase, “Someone is here.” Interestingly enough, this phrase coincides with a line from a TV show role that Hyun-su is currently playing. However, his wife Soo-jin remains unconvinced, and her skepticism seems justified. Later on, without giving away any spoilers, Hyun-su’s odd behaviors during the night start to intensify…

To add fuel to the fire, the couple has a neighbor named Min Jeong (Kim Gook Hee), who initially appears friendly and harmless. However, she gradually displays passive-aggressive behavior and becomes quite unsettling as she closely monitors their daily routine. She’s been living in the apartment building for what seems like an eternity, since her late father resided there, and now her primary concern is lodging complaints about their noise – whether it’s their barking dog or Hyun-su’s restless sleepwalking escapades.

RIP, Lee Sun-kyun

When the behavior becomes aggressive, Soo-jin seeks help from medical experts like Doctor Kim (Yoon Kyung-ho), who explains that there is no known remedy for the husband’s unpredictable drowsy condition. This information is particularly distressing as Soo-jin prepares to welcome her first child into the world. To make matters worse, Soo-jin’s critical mother (Lee Kyung-Jin) seems to dislike Hyun-su from the start. Consequently, when his mysterious nighttime persona endangers others, it is not surprising that she advises Soo-jin to leave this living situation altogether.

If these kinds of in-law dynamics sound relatable, it’s just one of the many perks of this otherwise haunting and sometimes supernatural tale that has other juicy supporting turns up its sleeve, apart from the feisty mother-in-law. Watch out for a chilling centerpiece moment where she resorts to bringing in an impassioned Shaman (Kim Keum-Soon) to give the couple’s troubled apartment a once-over and check for unwelcome spirits. Of course, the Shaman senses something in the husband and new dad — but what does it all trace back to? We won’t spoil it here, but the late Parasite actor keeps you guessing as more of the building’s eerie history is unearthed.

By the close of the day, it’s important to acknowledge Jung Yu-mi’s exceptional performance, as she skillfully portrays the intense emotional oscillations between husband and wife. As Soo-jin progressively slips away from sanity, sacrificing sleep to uncover the mysteries that have deeply affected her family of three, some may find the supernatural aspects less appealing. However, persist in watching. The film’s psychological depth provides a compelling foundation for this modest horror-thriller, to put it simply.

From Magnet Releasing, Sleep will be released in theaters and on digital Friday.

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2024-09-28 00:32