When it comes to horror movies, there are few plot elements more cliche than creepy kids than nightmares. When you combine both, you get BEFORE I WAKE. Previously titled SOMNIA, BEFORE I WAKE is the latest film from OCULUS director Mike Flanagan. Starring Kate Bosworth and Thomas Jane, this starts out very reminiscent of recent creepy kid movies like ORPHAN and MAMA before taking a twist.
Now, I know what you are thinking: a horror movie with a twist? That is shocking! But, BEFORE I WAKE looks like it could be an effective little thriller, cheesy butterflies aside.
Jessie (Kate Bosworth) and Mark (Thomas Jane) decide to take in a sweet and loving 8-year-old boy, Cody. Unbeknownst to them, Cody is terrified of falling asleep. At first, they assume his previous unstable homes caused his aversion to sleep, but soon discover why: Cody’s dreams manifest in reality as he sleeps. In one moment they experience the incredible wonder of Cody’s imagination, and in the next, the horrific nature of his night terrors. To save their new family, Jessie and Mark embark on a dangerous hunt to uncover the truth behind Cody’s nightmares.
Flanagan’s two previous features, OCULUS and ABSENTIA, are decent horror flicks that have gotten way more hype than they deserve, but are still worth a look if you are tired of the crap that passes for scary movies these days. BEFORE I WAKE has a lot more talent in front of the camera which could translate to a better final product.
BEFORE I WAKE hits theaters on May 8, 2015.