Dying to Sleep

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.