Watch Sleepwalking

Sleepwalking is a 2008 drama film directed by Bill Maher and starring an ensemble cast that includes Charlize Theron, Nick Stahl, and AnnaSophia Robb. The story follows the turbulent lives of a dysfunctional family in rural America, as they struggle to come to terms with their troubled past and the uncertain future that lies ahead. Theron plays a hard-nosed single mother by the name of Joleen Reedy, who is struggling to make ends meet and keep custody of her young daughter, Tara (played by Robb). Joleen's brother, James (Stahl), is a troubled soul who has just been released from prison after serving time for arson. With nowhere else to go, Joleen takes James in, hoping that he will help her get her life back on track and be a positive influence on Tara.

However, things quickly spiral out of control as James becomes increasingly unstable and unable to cope with his newfound freedom. Meanwhile, Joleen struggles to balance her responsibilities as a mother with her difficult job as a waitress, and the pressure to provide for her family begins to take its toll.

As the story progresses, we see the relationships between the main characters become increasingly strained as they each struggle to survive in a world that seems determined to beat them down. James, in particular, is haunted by his troubled past and the choices he has made, and it soon becomes clear that he is incapable of living a normal life.

Sleepwalking is a powerful and emotionally charged film that explores some of the darker aspects of human nature, including addiction, mental illness, and the effects of poverty and despair. Despite its bleak subject matter, however, the film ultimately has a message of hope and resilience, showing that even in the most difficult circumstances, there can be moments of grace and redemption.

The performances in Sleepwalking are uniformly excellent, with Theron giving a particularly strong and nuanced portrayal of a mother who is struggling to keep her head above water. Stahl is also excellent as the troubled and damaged James, bringing a real sense of menace and tragedy to the character.

The film is beautifully shot, with director Bill Maher making excellent use of the stark and desolate landscapes of rural America to create a sense of isolation and loneliness. The music, composed by Christopher Young, is haunting and atmospheric, adding to the overall sense of unease and tension that permeates the film.

In conclusion, Sleepwalking is a powerful and moving film that explores some of the most difficult aspects of the human experience. Its themes of redemption and resilience will resonate with viewers, and its excellent performances and beautiful cinematography make it a must-see for fans of independent cinema. Highly recommended.

Sleepwalking is a 2008 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 40.