MOVIE INFO:
SLEEP follows newlyweds Hyun-su (Lee Sun-kyun, PARASITE) and Soo-jin (Jung Yu-mi), whose domestic bliss is disrupted when Hyun-su begins speaking in his sleep, ominously stating, “Someone’s inside.” From that night on, whenever he falls asleep, Hyun-su transforms into someone else, with no recollection of what happened the night before. Overwhelmed with anxiety that he may hurt himself or their young family, Soo-jin can barely sleep because of this irrational fear. Despite treatment, Hyun-su’s sleepwalking only intensifies, and Soo-jin begins to feel that her unborn child may be in danger.
REVIEW:
Sleep,” directed by Jason Yu, is a mesmerizing and chilling addition to the Korean horror genre that delves into the depths of possession and its implications on marital unity. The film stars Jung Yu- Mi and Lee Sun-Kyung as a married couple whose lives are upended by a malevolent spirit that jumps from one to the other, blurring the lines between love and terror.
The movie fits seamlessly into the possession theme prevalent in many Korean horror thrillers. However, “Sleep” distinguishes itself with its unique approach to the concept of possession, drawing on elements of Korean mythology and religion. The spirit’s ability to jump between the husband and wife adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, symbolizing the interconnectedness and unity of marriage in Korean culture.
Jung Yu–Mi and Lee Sun-Kyung deliver powerful performances, capturing the emotional and psychological toll of the supernatural events on their characters. Their chemistry is palpable, adding depth to their portrayal of a couple bound by love yet tormented by forces beyond their control.
Director Jason Yu masterfully weaves traditional Korean beliefs with modern horror elements, creating a story that is both frightening and deeply resonant. The possession in “Sleep” functions as a metaphor for the unity of marriage, where the spirit’s movement between the couple signifies their inseparable bond, even in the face of malevolent forces. This aspect of the film highlights the cultural significance of marriage as a sacred and enduring partnership.
The title “Sleep” carries subthemes that enrich the narrative. It not only refers to the act of resting but also to the vulnerability and subconscious fears that arise during sleep. The film explores how these hidden anxieties manifest in the waking world, revealing the darkest corners of the human psyche. Additionally, the title alludes to the idea of spiritual slumber, where the characters must awaken to the reality of their plight to find a resolution.
The script is well-crafted, balancing moments of intense horror with poignant character development. While some plot points may seem familiar to seasoned horror fans, the execution and originality of the possession concept make it a standout. Jason Yu’s directorial choices, such as the use of shadow and light to create a sense of unease, are particularly effective in building suspense and atmosphere.
Overall, “Sleep” earns a solid A rating for its gripping storytelling, stellar performances, and innovative take on possession. It’s a must-watch for fans of Korean horror and anyone intrigued by the exploration of marital unity through the lens of the supernatural.
Sleep is streaming on Hulu.
CREDITS:
Directed by
Jason Yu
Screenplay byb
Produced by
Lewis Tae-wan Kim[1]
Starring
Cinematography
Tae-soo Kim[1]
Edited bybv
Production
company
Lewis Pictures[1]
Distributed by
Release dates
- 21 May 2023(Cannes)
- 6 September 2023(South Korea)
Running time
95 minutes[1]
Country
South Korea
Language
Korean
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