Christine (Nicole Kidman) wakes up every morning with her memory completely erased. Her husband Ben (Colin Firth) patiently reintroduces himself and their relationship to her. A certain Dr. Nasch (Mark Strong) also calls her house daily, telling her that she had been his patient since a violent experience caused her condition. With each day, Christine would discover something or someone which would help her piece her past back together. Will she ever be able to figure out the truth before she goes to sleep again?
A story that deals with memory loss had been tackled in several films. "50 First Dates" would probably be the most popular one, taking the lighter, romantic-comedy route to flesh out the problems of this condition. "Before I Go to Sleep" takes a decidedly more serious psycho-horror thriller approach. This story unfolds for the viewer as it unfolds for Christine. As we get absorbed into her condition, we will feel her helplessness as conflicting "truths" come to fore, and her shock as traumatic memories break through.
Nicole Kidman played the troubled Christine in a raw and sympathetic way. She carried the film well, as we all feel her trust issues and root for her to get to the bottom of things faster. Colin Firth had a more challenging job of playing a man trying his best to convince Christine of who he was and the sincerity of his love for her. The intense facial features of Mark Strong worked in his favor in his suspiciously ambiguous role as Dr. Nasch. Anne Marie Duff plays Christine's old friend Claire who could be the key to the mystery, or is she?
At 90 minutes, the pacing of the film was fast, with red herrings and twisty revelations coming one after the other. There are some questionable details about the story. A particularly glaring one was Claire's seemingly total isolation from the world, like there was no way for her to ask anyone else what happened to her after so many years of this problem. The degree of abusive violence can also be very disturbing. I was very interested and entertained up to the climax, but the ensuing scenes up to ending could have been better executed. 6/10.
A movie about memory lost is always interesting. Love your review Fred and I will be definitely put this movie on to watch list :D
ReplyDeleteAn expensive article, keep it up
ReplyDeleteAaah. I was just about to say that this reminds me of 50 First Dates. And because of that, I will make sure that I watch this film when it's shown on the big screen. Nice plot and Colin Firth is in the movie 👍
ReplyDeleteIt is showing on the big screen in Manila theaters this week.
DeleteNicole Kidman! Books turned into movies are really interesting - it can either be a huge success or a tremendous flop. Hope this one's good :)
ReplyDeleteThis movie seems to be very interesting! I love Nicole Kidman, she's great! I hope to have an opportunity to see this movie soon =)
ReplyDeleteYeah, mostly like 50 first dates situation? Hmmm interesting. Will check this out.
ReplyDeleteA lighter side of melodrama-suspense film with twists at the end. Well, I watched this film with nothing on my mind except knowing why?
ReplyDeleteThis looks absolutely interesting and Nicole Kidman rarely disappoints! Can't wait to try this movie out! :D
ReplyDeleteI love Nicole Kidman! Anyway, 50 first dates came to mind when I was reading your first paragraph, then I realised that you realised it, too as I read on.
ReplyDeleteHmmm...I wonder what happened. I want to find out! I think I'm going to watch this one. Thanks for the review. :)
Great movie for sure. This is the kind of movie I love, past pace and no boring moments or scenes at all! Will watch!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds/looks like a great movie.. I will wait for this in theaters!
ReplyDeleteIt is currently showing in Philippine theaters this week!
DeleteNow showing in the Ph? When will it be shown in Th? Can't wait!
ReplyDeleteHmmm. I was planning to watch this previously. Why 6/10 when you said you were captived by the pace? What lost the marks?
ReplyDeleteThe events after the climax and the ending I did not like.
DeleteI was initially intrigued and thought of 50 First Dates immediately after reading just the first line of your post, which you've confirmed eventually but that's the only similarity between the two according to your review.
ReplyDeleteI'm not much for horror and suspense and with your 6 out of 10 rating, I might have to skip this if I see it on cable. I do love Colin Firth though as Mr. Darcy, decades ago!
I saw the poster of this movie in Glorietta and I immediately included it in my to watch films. I'm just finding time to watch this and hopefully, I'd be satisfied more than just your 6/10 rating. :)
ReplyDeleteSeem like an interesting movie. But it is not showing in Malaysia?! Huh.. Thanks for the review~
ReplyDeleteI have always admired Colin. seems like a great movie!
ReplyDelete