Watch I Can't Sleep

I Can't Sleep is a 1994 French film that blends multiple genres, including drama, thriller, and romance. Directed by Claire Denis, the movie is loosely based on a real-life story from the early 1990s, namely the case of Thierry Paulin, a serial killer who targeted elderly women in the Paris region. The film follows two parallel storylines that eventually merge. The first storyline centers around Daiga (Yekaterina Golubeva), a Lithuanian immigrant who arrives in Paris with the intention of starting a new life. Daiga is an aspiring musician, but she struggles to find a job and a place to live, and her dream of pursuing her art seems farfetched. Meanwhile, Daiga's sister, who came to Paris with her, disappears without a trace, leaving Daiga increasingly desperate and lonely.

The second storyline revolves around Theo (Richard Courcet), a gay Frenchman who shares an apartment with his male lover. Theo is HIV-positive and suffers from insomnia, hence the title of the film. One night, while he is wandering the streets of Paris, he meets Camille (Vincent Dupont), a young man who is living with his mother in a nearby hotel. Camille is attracted to Theo and starts to visit him regularly, but Theo's health deteriorates, and he begins to suspect that Camille might be involved in a sinister plot.

As the two stories unfold, the film explores various themes, such as immigration, urban loneliness, sexual identity, and the fear of death. The characters are complex and multifaceted, and the film does not shy away from portraying their flaws and vulnerabilities. Daiga, for example, is an enigmatic figure who keeps her emotions to herself, but she is also fiercely determined and independent. Theo, on the other hand, is sarcastic and bitter, but he also has a tender side that he reveals only to Camille.

The film also portrays the city of Paris as a character in its own right. The city is depicted as both beautiful and menacing, with its grand boulevards and historic landmarks juxtaposed with dark alleyways and seedy neighborhoods. The film's use of music is also noteworthy, as it blends classical pieces with contemporary songs, creating a haunting and dreamlike atmosphere.

Overall, I Can't Sleep is a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that showcases the talents of its director and cast. It is a film that defies easy categorization and stays with the viewer long after the credits roll.