Watch Sleepwalk

Sleepwalk is a 1986 American independent film that explores the unconventional romance between two women, the city of Los Angeles, and the dizzying, metaphysical realm of sleepwalking. The film was written and directed by Sara Driver and premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Suzanne Fletcher stars as Marianne, a married woman in her forties who lives a mundane existence in suburban Los Angeles. She experiences vivid dreams and episodes of sleepwalking, which leads her on a journey of self-discovery and an unexpected affair with her local grocery clerk, the androgynous and enigmatic, but strikingly beautiful, Lena (Ann Magnuson). Despite their vastly different backgrounds and personalities, Marianne and Lena form a deep bond that transcends the physical realm and challenges societal norms.

The film presents a surreal, dreamlike aesthetic that reflects the emotional and psychological states of the characters. The opening scene sets the tone for the film, with Marianne waking up in the grocery store, surrounded by fruit and vegetables, as if she is still in a dream. The camera angles, lighting, and soundtrack create a disorienting and otherworldly atmosphere that emphasizes the characters' disconnect from reality.

Throughout the film, Marianne's dreams and sleepwalking episodes become increasingly intense and vivid. She encounters strange and symbolic imagery, such as a man in a white suit who appears to be controlling her movements, and a recurring image of a faceless woman who represents her subconscious desires. These dream sequences are artfully crafted and provide insight into Marianne's innermost thoughts and desires.

The romance between Marianne and Lena is portrayed with subtlety and nuance. At first, it seems like an unlikely pairing, with Marianne being reserved and conventional, and Lena being wild and unconventional. However, as they spend more time together, their connection becomes deeper and more meaningful. The film avoids falling into cliches or stereotypes about lesbian relationships, instead presenting an authentic and heartfelt portrayal.

One of the film's standout performances is from Ann Magnuson, who brings a captivating energy and charisma to her role as Lena. She is a complex and intriguing character, with a mysterious past and a magnetic presence. Magnuson's performance helps to elevate the film, and her chemistry with Suzanne Fletcher is palpable.

The film also explores themes of isolation, loneliness, and the search for meaning and connection in a chaotic world. Marianne and Lena are both searching for something beyond the mundane experiences of their daily lives. Marianne feels trapped in her suburban existence, while Lena has a romanticized view of Los Angeles as a place of creativity and possibility. Sleepwalking becomes a way for them to escape their reality and explore their innermost desires.

The film's style and structure are unconventional, with a nonlinear narrative and a loose, dreamlike structure. This approach may not be to everyone's taste, but for those who appreciate experimental cinema, Sleepwalk offers a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience.

In conclusion, Sleepwalk is a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that explores themes of love, identity, and the mysteries of the human psyche. The performances, particularly from Suzanne Fletcher and Ann Magnuson, are captivating, and the dreamlike atmosphere is both disorienting and mesmerizing. Despite being a relatively obscure film, Sleepwalk has gained a cult following over the years, and for good reason. It is a true gem of independent cinema and deserves to be rediscovered by a new generation of film enthusiasts.

Sleepwalk is a 1986 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.