Dying to Sleep

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.

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!

This is a solid independent film.

Layered characters that had good acting, and a story that was interesting enough to make me want to keep watching.

The camerawork was actually pretty cool, I could tell they were doing handheld shots and angles when they wanted to show Mary (the main character), uneasy or going through things in her mind.

It went a little too far into the "drama" side that slowed down the thriller parts, but it made me care for the characters more, so I didn't mind it.

I like movies that get melodramatic but keep it grounded.

I would consider watching this again in the future.

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.

This is a greatly paced story with a fantastic ensemble, and a strong, grounded performance from SarahLydia Sophia. The film manages to maintain an eerie atmosphere, all while Mary and her family continue to be the heart at the center and drive the story forward. Director Paris Dylan's very strong sense of visual language and Muneed Rehmans's sharp cinematography gives the audience a sense of closeness, particularly to Mary's near constant state of terror. The story effectively balances Mary's ongoing troubled relationship with her family and the nightmarish journey she continues to experience, contributing overall to her journey coming back to herself.