Before I Wake (2016)

“I don’t like to sleep.”

Writer/director Mike Flanagan is at it again. I’m a big fan of his previous films Oculus and Hush, but I was skeptical that this “Netflix exclusive” would be able to live up to the rest. I mean, Kate Bosworth in the leading role? I thought she “peaked” in Blue Crush. Though her acting didn’t do it for me here, overall I enjoyed the film.

Much more fantasy/fairytale than the previously mentioned films by Flanagan, but still enough jolts, creatures and creepy children to keep it in the horror genre (especially the back half). The whole “adopted child with a mysterious past” storyline is quite played out at this point, but at least it goes in some original directions. The only other poor performance here that could rival that of Bosworth is by Thomas Jane’s hair. I mean, come on. Goodbye Punisher, hello Seattle grunge chic. The rest of the performances were solid, especially Jacob Tremblay (Room, Wonder). Don’t let his characters’ continued references to “canker” throughout fool you. This isn’t a movie about oral hygiene. 4 out of 5 dentists may approve, but I give the film a 3 out of 5.