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Tuesday, March 6, 2012

[8.00/10] Mientras Duermes a.k.a. Sleep Tight (2011)


Mientras Duermes

a.k.a.

Sleep Tight (2011)

Brief review: Ironically titled "Sleep Tight", this is "[Rec]" director Jaume Balagueró's latest project, and also his first movie since 2006's "Fragile", shot without his fellow director, Paco Plaza. Although plot-wise, "Sleep Tight" is somewhat similar in concept to last year's "The Resident", in terms of execution, creepiness, and overall effectiveness, this movie is everything "The Resident" should have been, but wasn't. The premise about an unhappy man whose mission in life is to make other people unhappy as well is disturbing enough in itself, and Balagueró's smooth, subtle direction creates a dark and intense atmosphere that adds to the already provocative story. Balagueró proves yet again that he knows how to build suspense, and to shock the audience without using cheap gimmicks and buckets of gore, providing the viewer with growing tension, solid thrills, and many clever little twists, that elevate this movie above 'your average thriller'. Much like "[REC]", the entire film takes place in a building in Barcelona, and although the setting isn't as claustrophobic, it's the perfect backdrop for this dark story. Luis Tosar is undoubtedly the driving force of this film, delivering a phenomenal performance as the seemingly nice and kind janitor, César, who insensibly tortures his victim, using nasty tricks, and Marta Etura also does an incredible job as the innocent and naive tenant, Clara, who he is obsessed with.

Overall summary: With its refined direction, flawless execution, strong characterization, and Luis Tosar's sensationally disturbing performance, "Sleep Tight" is a subtly scary and darkly unsettling psychological horror thriller that certainly won't help you sleep tight at night. At all.

10 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I've heard of it - good to know it's a worthwhile film.

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Alex, glad you have. In my book, this is the best horror movie of 2011. I think this statement speaks for itself. :)

Maynard Morrissey said...

Read lots of excellent reviews about it. Even BD gave it a 8/10.

Pretty excited about it. Will hopefully see it soon. The theam behind the SLASH Festival is plainning on doing a 2day Horror Festival in May where they only show new European stuff - I strongly hope Sleep Tight is one of the movies they'll show
*fingers crossed*

Fragile was quit ok but a bit too tedious and with a weak Calista Flockhart.
The Resident... well, no comment :)

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Yep, they gave it an 8 out of 10, but let's not forget that they also gave a 5 out of 10 to Ghost Rider 2, which you HATED. :)

You know what, I'm a big fan of Balagueró. Always have been and always will be. He's a pure horror genius in my book.

OMG, I LOVED Fragile. It was an atmospheric ghost story that gave me the creeps big time. I've seen it 3 times already and I don't mind to see it again. :)

I've never liked Calista Flockhart, but I thought she did a fantastic job in this film and I believed every bit of her performance. Hm, I thought you liked Fragile...

The Resident was watchable, but kind of a misfire, despite its great cast.

By the way, I was wondering if you have checked out my TOP 30 Horror Movies of the last decade list? If you have, I'm curious what did you think of it. :)

Unknown said...

Sounds twisted, sick and creepy...right up my alley. ;) Since it's by Balaguero I know I'm going to enjoy it. I enjoyed The Resident, but it was a bit of meh overall. Fragile was excellent.

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Balaguero can do no wrong. His films are always scary, creepy and twisted, and Sleep Tight is no exception. Yes, The Resident was watchable but kinda meh. I'm so glad you liked Fragile. I had a spooky good time with it!

Movies on my Mind said...

Sounds way too much of a sick experience for me. I'll stick to WE BOUGHT A ZOO.

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Movies on my Mind, just skip it if it's not your cup of tea.

Maynard Morrissey said...

Please send me the link, haven't found it.

I gave Fragile a 6,5. It started out incredibly creepy in the first half but became a bit boring in the second.

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Harry, there you go:

http://cinemarvellous.blogspot.com/search/label/CM%3A%20Nebular%27s%20TOP%2030%20Horror%20Movies%20of%20the%20Past%20Decade

I thought the twist was brilliant, and the ghost looked terrifying. There was nothing boring about it at all. OK, no need to argue. You liked it, I loved it. :)

Let me know what did you think of the list I gave you link for. ;)