Before I Wake is a supernatural horror-drama film directed by Mike Flanagan. The movie was written by Jeff Howard and stars Kate Bosworth, Thomas Jane, and Jacob Lattimore. It explores the emotional toll of loss, grief, and the bond between a mother and her son, all wrapped up in a chilling, fantastical narrative. The film blends elements of horror and psychological drama, delving into the dark corners of the human psyche while also exploring the healing power of love.
Plot Summary
The story centers on a young boy named Cody (Jacob Lattimore), who has been through a traumatic series of events. After his biological parents die in a mysterious accident, Cody is placed into the foster care of Mark (Thomas Jane) and Jessie (Kate Bosworth), a couple still grieving the recent death of their own son. They hope to provide Cody with a stable home and help him heal from the emotional wounds of his past.
However, they quickly discover that Cody has a strange and disturbing ability: when he falls asleep, his dreams come to life. While this may sound magical at first, the dreams often take a dark and terrifying turn. Some of his dreams manifest as beautiful, enchanting visions, while others become nightmares that threaten everyone around him.
Cody’s dreams bring to life a creature known as the “Creeper,” a terrifying monster that feeds on the fears of others. As the couple struggles to deal with Cody’s supernatural gift, they must confront the emotional scars from their own past while trying to protect him from the dangers that arise from his dreams.
As the story unfolds, Mark and Jessie grow increasingly desperate to understand Cody’s powers. They seek the help of a psychiatrist to find a way to control the dreams, but the emotional stakes get higher as they uncover secrets about Cody’s past and the true nature of the creature he has inadvertently summoned.
The film explores themes of grief, loss, and the ways in which love can provide both healing and new emotional challenges. It also delves into the connection between dreams and reality, with Cody’s ability to dream his deepest fears and desires into existence leading to both wonder and terror.
Main Cast and Characters
- Kate Bosworth as Jessie: Jessie is a grieving mother who has lost her own son. She and her husband, Mark, decide to foster Cody in an attempt to heal their wounds. As they struggle with their own past, Jessie becomes a central figure in trying to protect Cody from the nightmares that come to life.
- Thomas Jane as Mark: Mark is Jessie’s husband, and he also has his own deep-seated grief from losing their son. As he and Jessie grow closer to Cody, Mark must face the emotional turmoil of both raising a foster child and confronting the reality of their son’s death.
- Jacob Lattimore as Cody: Cody is the young boy with the supernatural ability to bring his dreams to life. While he is a kind and innocent child, his dreams become the catalyst for the film’s suspense, as the boundaries between his dreams and reality blur.
- Annabeth Gish as Dr. Donovan: Dr. Donovan is a psychiatrist who helps Mark and Jessie understand Cody’s powers. As the story progresses, she plays a key role in helping the family uncover the dark truths behind Cody’s ability and the terrifying consequences of his dreams.
- Dash Mihok as Mr. Hulce: A character who becomes involved in helping the family understand Cody’s condition, contributing to the psychological and emotional unraveling of the story.
Themes and Style
Before I Wake deals heavily with themes of grief, healing, and the complexities of parent-child relationships. The film is an exploration of how past trauma and loss affect the present, and how individuals cope with the scars left behind by those experiences. The relationship between Cody and his new parents, Mark and Jessie, becomes central to the plot, with the couple finding themselves torn between their love for Cody and the fear that his powers could destroy everything they hold dear.
The supernatural element, embodied in Cody’s ability to make his dreams real, plays a pivotal role in the film’s tension and atmosphere. The dream sequences are visually captivating, with both beautiful and terrifying imagery that reflects the characters’ deepest emotions and fears. The creature known as the “Creeper” symbolizes the darker side of Cody’s mind, and the monster’s appearances create some of the most intense and suspenseful moments in the film.
The film also plays with the psychological horror genre, blurring the lines between what is real and what is imagined. By weaving together elements of fantasy and horror, Before I Wake creates an unsettling atmosphere that keeps the audience on edge, as the characters must navigate both literal and metaphorical nightmares.
Audience Reception
Before I Wake received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics, with many praising the performances, particularly those of Kate Bosworth and Jacob Lattimore. The emotional depth of the characters, especially Jessie’s portrayal of a grieving mother, was appreciated. The film’s ability to blend emotional storytelling with supernatural horror was also seen as a strength.
However, some critics felt the film lacked a stronger sense of pacing, as the slow-building tension sometimes led to a less intense experience. The balance between horror and emotional drama was considered uneven by some, but others found the mixture refreshing and heartfelt. The creature design for the Creeper was also a point of discussion, with some finding it effective in building terror, while others felt it could have been more frightening.
The movie was especially well-received by those who enjoy psychological horror films that focus on the emotional complexities of grief and loss, combined with supernatural elements. Its exploration of the darker aspects of the human mind, as well as the visual representation of dreams, made it an interesting watch for fans of the genre.
Conclusion
Before I Wake (2016) is a supernatural horror film that explores the emotional toll of grief and the power of dreams. With a strong central performance from Kate Bosworth and a compelling storyline that blends elements of fantasy and psychological horror, the film offers a unique take on the genre. Though its pacing may be slower than some would prefer, the emotional depth and unsettling atmosphere make it a worthwhile watch for fans of supernatural dramas with psychological elements. The film’s exploration of family, loss, and the intersection of dreams and reality adds an emotional complexity that distinguishes it from more typical horror fare.
