Dying to Sleep (2023) User Reviews

More drama than thriller

[allyschwartz-48375 · 8/10 · 11 February 2024]

This is a solid independent film.

Layered characters that had good acting, and a story that was interesting enough to make me want to keep watching.

The camerawork was actually pretty cool, I could tell they were doing handheld shots and angles when they wanted to show Mary (the main character), uneasy or going through things in her mind.

It went a little too far into the "drama" side that slowed down the thriller parts, but it made me care for the characters more, so I didn't mind it.

I like movies that get melodramatic but keep it grounded.

I would consider watching this again in the future.

Drama movie for film people

[lhmontgomery · 8/10 · 5 March 2024]

I had the opportunity to see "Dying to Sleep" at the Chandler International Film Festival in early 2023, and am so excited it's available online now.

"Dying to Sleep" presented a captivating exploration of the human psyche at the film festival. The film's unique narrative approach and thought-provoking themes kept me at the edge of my seat.

The director's (Paris Dylan) ability to seamlessly blend suspense with introspective moments showcased a strong storytelling technique.

As far as the performances- they were outstanding, especially from Dar Dixon, who delivered a nuanced portrayal of the complex emotions entwined in the storyline (character of Frank Cyrus).

I also really enjoyed the score, and felt it brought the film together!

I've rated this an 8 out out 10 and am excited to see more from this team and Wild7 Films.

Mother daughter relationship journey

[edenhersch · 7/10 · 20 March 2024]

"Dying to Sleep" is a poignant film that delves into the complexities of the mother-daughter relationship amidst a backdrop of mysterious nightmares and a reclusive doctor. The film beautifully captures the emotional journey of the characters as they navigate through the challenges posed by the protagonist's struggle with a rare sleep disorder.

At the heart of the narrative I was struck by the profound bond between the mother and daughter, portrayed with remarkable depth and authenticity. Through their shared experiences, the audience witnesses the unwavering love, support, and sacrifices that define their relationship.

You witness Helen (the mother) and Mary (the daughter) experience a myriad of emotions and a rollercoaster of a relationship recently damaged through misunderstanding and new information- changing the dynamic of the origins of their relationship.

The film skillfully intertwines moments of tenderness and vulnerability between the two characters, juxtaposed against the backdrop of Mary's mental health. These intimate scenes not only highlight the depth of their connection but also serve to underscore the central theme of familial love and devotion.

As the story unfolds, the mother-daughter dynamic becomes a driving force behind the narrative, propelling the characters forward in their quest for answers and ultimately, redemption. Their journey serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of love and the unbreakable bonds that unite families, even in the face of adversity.

Overall, "Dying to Sleep" is a compelling exploration of the mother-daughter relationship, skillfully weaving together elements of drama, emotion, and suspense to deliver a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.

Captivating

[michaelvandie · 8/10 · 2 February 2024]

This is a greatly paced story with a fantastic ensemble, and a strong, grounded performance from SarahLydia Sophia. The film manages to maintain an eerie atmosphere, all while Mary and her family continue to be the heart at the center and drive the story forward. Director Paris Dylan's very strong sense of visual language and Muneed Rehmans's sharp cinematography gives the audience a sense of closeness, particularly to Mary's near constant state of terror. The story effectively balances Mary's ongoing troubled relationship with her family and the nightmarish journey she continues to experience, contributing overall to her journey coming back to herself.

This movie is way overrated

[romneymeredith · 2/10 · 23 February 2024]

This movie moves slowly, so slowly that you find yourself fighting to maintain interest and keep from sleeping yourself. I was willing to give it a chance because Eric Roberts was supposedly the star but he has only 2 cameos without real substance.

Look, I'll get straight to the point - this was an LGBTQ movie in which the mother of the female protagonist comes to terms with her daughter Mary being a dyke (the daughter's words, not mine), Mary is seeing and communicating with dead people as in "The Sixth Sense" and is having trouble sleeping, and she leads the dead spirit of the religious holistic doctor (who you think is alive) into forgiving himself for initially rejected his son when he came out of the closet as gay and then killed himself by running into the street a year ago whereupon Mary runs into him driving home from her birthday party. His ghost constantly is running around in the movie saying cryptic stuff to her. The same night his son died this doctor killed himself by cutting his own throat, unable to bear the guilt of rejecting his son for not being straight.

But it's all just fine in the end, you see, because Mary convinces the father's ghost to forgive himself and at the end at her next birthday party sees their ghosts in the garden sitting on a bench and smiling and laughing. BTW, the 'big reveal' in the movie is that the holistic doctor was dead all along when Mary was seeing him for help, once Eric Robert's drug-prescribing doctor couldn't help her.

This movie is not a thriller, it's an LGBTQ vehicle which is fine if that's what you wanted to watch but it's totally not fine to not be honest on the description on the DVD cover nor in the IMDB write-up.

I'm giving it a '2' because it dragged, it was full of soap opera standard fare and it was derivative of far better movies AND it was NOT a thriller. Plus Eric Roberts was used as a lure to get you to watch it when he was really not that important to the movie.

A thriller with some heart!

[kdimples-48697 · 10/10 · 9 August 2023]

I would definitely recommend this movie if you like trying to figure out mysteries. It's spooky at times, but really is generally more full of hopeful undertones. You have to seriously pay attention to the small details of you want to understand the hidden messages but overall love the full circle themes and characters. Another thing that stood out to me was the music choices for the whole movie, really helped with the dramatic effect and I feel like it pretty much enhanced the entire movie. The director Paris Dylan knows what he's doing for sure and I'm excited to see what other films he comes out with in the future. Hell get this film seen!! I freaking loved it. Watched it twice already (:

Just when you think you have it figured out.. you don't!

[cookegabrielle · 10/10 · 27 September 2023]

Dying to sleep was an absolute mystery from start to finish! Absolutely loved the modern dynamic of dysfunctional family meets mental illness, with one of the biggest plot twists being the resolution we all seek from our parental figures. It brought awareness to the reality of mental illness in our society, and the impact our family may have on us as we battle these demons. Not only was it a fun psychological thriller to follow, but it was also met with deeply genuine moments that had me shedding tears. Beautiful cinematography with some fantastic lighting! Not to mention, wonderfully human emotions brought on by the director! The characters were real and relateable in comparison to the typical "Hollywood" star beauty standards. Extra points for bringing in the elements of holistic healing!! Great job guys!!

Loved it!

[pamfreerpumpkin · 10/10 · 8 August 2023]

It had us on the edge of our seat! Had alot of great elements....happy.... Scared.....sad Loved the twists. I thought it was a really good movie! The scenery was great, I could tell when you were in Solvang.......these kind of movies are always great in the dark.....I've watched it three times (so far) and I picked up something new each time I watched it!! For me I liked all of the characters and thought they did a wonderful job the only thing I didn't like was that it wasn't longer! I think Paris Dylan did a great job with all the hats he wore on this film and I look forward to more of his work!

Thumbs up for me.

A young woman sees visions of the dead that she is convinced are corporeal. Is she losing her mind, or is she seeing something real?

[erikwithak-89430 · 10/10 · 31 August 2023]

Dying to Sleep deals with very real modern day issues, but director Paris Dylan delivers the story with unsettling moments of suspense and sudden fright of a supernatural tale.

The movie presents themes of family conflict born of generational divides along matters of sexuality, religious prejudice, drug and alcohol dependence, along with the uplift of spiritual reflection, healing forgiveness through the storyline arc of the central character, Mary, played by SarahLydia Sophia. Dylan also gives a nod to the medical community for its corruption, (bringing to mind the biographical documentaries "Dopesick" and "Painkiller"). Her brother Joe, played by Paris Dylan, intervenes and suggests she explore alternative methods of treatment just as she is approaching the tipping point into madness. From here the viewer is taken on a very surprising journey of Mary's discovery and self redaction.

This reviewer is not very knowledgeable on the subject of photography and camera technique but suffice to say the night time sequences, shadows, and sudden jumps are very effective in maintaining high engagement by the viewer, and the background sound track augments the build of suspense and disquiet. There are brief moments of "handy cam" that, deliberately or not, convey the instability Mary is experiencing; with longer steady camera shots that enable the viewer to contemplate the actors' expressions. This movie is very much an emotional exploration through the physicality of the actors in which Sophia is excellent.

This is a very entertaining movie; refreshing in its honest treatment of very topical subjects. But it does so with a sly misdirection as to what the viewer is in for. A+

Family Thriller Movie - Good for a cold night

[McKenneyMan484 · 8/10 · 17 November 2023]

Got recommended this through a friend who watched it this year. I am passing along the recommendation to others.

I honestly thought it was a horror, just based on some of the articles I found on the project, but was pleasantly surprised to find it ride a sweet line of family themed thriller/drama.

The story is complex, the characters nuanced. For a film buff like me, I loved having to follow along and piece this story (dare I almost say - mystery?) together.

I think my largest takeaways were that, yes, we all have secrets and a past- and yes, we can all make amends with such things with hope of a brighter future. We are not slaves to our minds or weakest selves.

I think this film is a great production, well-directed, with authentic choices on the actors' parts (I especially enjoyed Victoria Baldesarra as Jen and SarahLydia Sophia as the lead, Mary, when seen together), and a nice choice for a night in.

Captivating Thriller

[chrispeterson-60397 · 10/10 · 6 March 2024]

I thought this indie gem delivers a powerful punch. Despite its modest budget, the film shines with its raw and authentic storytelling. The characters are compelling, brought to life by a talented cast who deliver performances that are both nuanced and impactful. The direction is impressive, weaving together a narrative that keeps you engaged from start to finish. The cinematography is solid, making the most of its limited resources to create a visually captivating experience. Also, if you are into "The Sixth Sense" I recommend this. This film definitely has that vibe. Excited to see what Dylan Paris brings next!

Poignant story - strong delivery

[zionkatz · 8/10 · 20 April 2024]

I really enjoyed this film, that I found at the recommendation from a friend.

"Dying to Sleep" not only delves into the complexities of familial relationships (especially mother/daughter and brother/sister) but also intertwines elements of a psychological thriller, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the narrative.

Maria Pinsent's performance as the mother is a standout in this genre-bending film, as she navigates who she has always been with adjusting to new information in her life that requires flexibility.

The film's ability to seamlessly blend the psychological thriller elements with the harrowing reality of her daughter's mental health is what initially drew me to it, and Pinsent's portrayal only adds to its allure. Her compelling performance anchors the film, making it a captivating and emotionally resonant viewing experience for anyone intrigued by both psychological thrillers and poignant family dramas.

Victoria B - good actress!

[bendouglas-69589 · 8/10 · 19 February 2024]

I enjoyed this film overall but especially Victoria Baldesarra's portrayal of "Jen", the lead character Mary's best friend.

Her nuanced supporting performance brought depth and authenticity to the character, elevating the overall quality of the film. Baldesarra's ability to convey the complexities of Jen's emotions showcased her talent and commitment to the role.

Her performance was not only compelling but also added a layer of richness to the narrative, making Jen a memorable and impactful part of the story. Throughout the development of the storyline as we see Mary's character unraveled, Jen remains steadfast as an ally prepared to support and assist her best friend in the good and the bad, although we can see even she is beginning to question Mary's sanity. I liked the scene at the bridge where she is strong yet supportive.

Baldesarra's work in "Dying to Sleep" is undoubtedly worthy of recognition and stands as a testament to her skill as an actress, deserving of awards and acclaim.

I will definitely be on the lookout for this rising actress!

Family bonding - good for all ages

[lilywhitlock · 8/10 · 5 April 2024]

I recently watched "Dying to Sleep" with my teenage daughter, and it was an experience that brought us closer together.

As a parent, I'm usually cautious about the content she consumes, but this movie struck the perfect balance between being engaging for her and satisfying my love for a good thriller. The storyline kept us on the edge of our seats, and the twists and turns had us guessing until the very end.

While I recognize that this movie might not be for everyone, it felt tailor-made for us. It's not often that we find a film that resonates with both of us, but "Dying to Sleep" managed to do just that.

There was one jump scare that was a little too much for my daughter, and I know would be too much for a few of my friends, though.

Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a gripping thriller that transcends generational gaps.