Sleep has become something I truly cherish in these past few years as a new mother. One thing they don’t tell you about having a newborn is the anxiety that can set in as the sun begins to go down. This anxiety arises from the uncertainty of how the night will unfold. Will the baby sleep for more than two hours? Will they cry throughout the night? It’s a troubling feeling when you only want to escape into a deep slumber and wake up refreshed the next day.

Sleep introduces a similar anxiety, but it manifests through sleepwalking — not just the cute kind of sleepwalking where someone might wake up in the next room. No, this is much more sinister…

Hyeon-soo (played by Lee Sun-kyun) and his pregnant wife, Soo-jin (portrayed by Jung Yu-mi), are newlyweds when Hyeon-soo begins experiencing sleep disturbances. He starts by sitting up at night and saying, “Someone’s inside.” They’re not overly concerned. His sleep disorder gradually worsens, raising concerns that he might harm himself or others. To resolve this issue before their baby arrives, he seeks help from a sleep doctor.

Is this truly a sleep disorder, or could it be something supernatural?

This marks the feature directorial debut of Jason Yu, who was previously an assistant to Oscar-winning director Bong Joon-ho, known for his Best Picture-winning film, Parasite. It’s an impressive debut by Yu that chills you to your core, yet it incorporates some appropriately timed comedic overtones.

Lee and Jung deliver incredible performances as leads in this film. Lee, who some may know from Parasite, plays an up-and-coming actor, while Jung is an estate agent working tirelessly until the baby is due to arrive. The enchanting aspect of their performances lies in their undeniable chemistry. Up until the sleepwalking, they effortlessly embody a couple head over heels in love, radiating warmth and connection. Their on-screen relationship resonates with authenticity, making every shared glance and tender moment feel genuine and heartwarming.

As the sleepwalking becomes increasingly extreme and alarming, the tension and dread of the film escalates. They are scenes that are not afraid to push boundaries. My own anxiety increased alongside Soo-jin, making me question which character was spiraling into madness more. Soo-jin’s mother suggests the possibility of an entity embodying her son-in-law.

Now, the real excitement starts!

In the third act, the ghostly elements of the film take center stage, showcasing a variety of haunting occurrences that significantly heighten the tension. While the climax provides a satisfactory resolution, I found myself yearning for more supernatural instances to be woven throughout the entire film.

The earlier absence of these phenomena made the later revelations feel somewhat isolated. Nevertheless, I appreciate that the director, Yu, probably aimed to encourage viewers to engage with the narrative on a deeper level, prompting us to question the nature of reality within the story. This intention invites us to contemplate whether the ghostly presence was genuine or a figment of the characters’ imaginations.

The only aspect of the film I disliked was that the second act began to feel somewhat repetitive. However, a few instances stood out, including a scene involving the baby, which may be triggering for parents. The entire time, I kept thinking, “No… they wouldn’t, would they?”

Oh, but they did!

This movie felt like an allegory for the postpartum period. The lack of sleep after bringing your baby home (Without any instructions, I might add!) is more challenging than anything I’ve ever encountered. It affects your alertness, cognitive performance and mood. In some countries, sleep deprivation is even used as a form of torture! You might wonder, “But Lana, I thought this was supposed to be the greatest time of your life?”

It is, in many ways. However, when your hormones fluctuate drastically and you’re dealing with sleep deprivation, it can also be one of the darkest periods of your life.

This film is a solid three and a half out of five stars. Clocking in at a perfect runtime of 95 minutes, it knows how to captivate its audience from start to finish. This film marks a promising debut for director Jason Yu. He skillfully weaves a tapestry of suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

While it does feature subtitles, I urge viewers not to let that deter them from experiencing this gripping story. As a horror enthusiast, I have found a treasure trove of exceptional foreign horror films that should not be overlooked simply because of language barriers. Embrace the experience! The unique storytelling and cultural perspectives offer an enriching layer that can elevate the horror experience significantly. So, dive in and enjoy this hauntingly delightful film!

Lastly, I was very saddened to discover Lee Sun-kyun passed away in December 2023 at the age of 48. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know help is available.