Watch I'll Sleep When I'm Dead

I'll Sleep When I'm Dead is a British crime thriller movie from 2003 directed by Mike Hodges. It features a star-studded cast of Clive Owen, Malcolm McDowell, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Charlotte Rampling, and Ken Stott. The film follows the story of Will Graham (Owen), a successful gangster who has retired to a peaceful life in the countryside. When his younger brother, Davey (Meyers), is found dead after a drug overdose, Will returns to London to find out what happened and seek revenge.

The movie opens with Will living a solitary life off the grid, working as a tree surgeon and keeping to himself. But when his estranged brother Davey is found dead, Will is shaken out of his quiet existence and goes back to the city to investigate. The film is a slow-burner, gradually building momentum as Will reconnects with his old criminal associates, including former gang leader Boad (McDowell) and his enforcer Mickser (Stott). Rampling plays Helen, a high-end prostitute who was involved with Davey and may hold the key to what happened to him.

As Will delves deeper into the mystery of his brother's death, he uncovers a twisted underworld of drugs, violence, sex, and betrayal. He finds himself drawn back into the violent world he tried to leave behind and must confront the demons of his past to bring closure to his brother's death.

The movie is meticulously paced and beautifully shot, with a moody, atmospheric score that adds to the sense of foreboding. Owen is a standout as the tormented, introspective Will, conveying a sense of inner turmoil and silent rage that simmers just below the surface. He brings an unusual intensity to the role, playing Will as a man who has seen and experienced too much and is finally coming to terms with his own mortality.

Rhys Meyers is equally impressive as Davey, who appears only in flashback but leaves a haunting impression on the film. McDowell is suitably menacing as Boad, the aging gangster who still wields considerable influence over his former associates. Rampling is excellent as always, bringing her trademark elegance and intelligence to the role of Helen, a woman who has learned to navigate the male-dominated world of organized crime.

One of the film's strengths is its sense of place. Hodges shows a gritty, realistic portrait of inner-city London, with its rundown estates, neon-lit streets, and grimy pubs. The film captures the mood of a city at once alluring and menacing, a place where crime and poverty lurk just beneath the surface.

The movie is not without its flaws. Some viewers may find the pacing slow, and the film's denouement could be seen as anti-climactic. Some of the characters, such as Mickser, are underdeveloped, and the nuanced relationship between Boad and Will is never fully explored.

Overall, I'll Sleep When I'm Dead is a gripping, atmospheric crime thriller that showcases the talents of its impressive cast. It is a slow-burner that rewards patient viewers and offers a poignant meditation on the nature of revenge and redemption. It is not a film for everyone, but those who appreciate character-driven dramas and moody, atmospheric filmmaking will find much to admire here.

I'll Sleep When I'm Dead is a 2004 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8 and a MetaScore of 56.