As a Horror fan, I like watching at least one Horror film every day (when I get the chance),and recently I've noticed a certain pattern in Thriller Horror films: they're mostly Thrillers with some touch of Horror and not basic Horror. Mientras Duermes (Sleep Tight) is a perfect example.
The real horrifying part of this film is that it plays on the small fears that regular people have, even if only at the back of their minds subconsciously. Having someone bluntly invade your privacy without you knowing it, being blackmailed for something you've done, getting old alone and becoming the gray figure neighbours pretend to be nice to - these are only some of the examples.
The story is original and clever, and unfolds only towards the middle. The acting is right on the spot. Everything is done just the way it should. This film takes the audience to the darker places of their emotions and thoughts, but not in an obvious blunt way like most Horror films, but in a deceptive and clever way. Very artistic.
There's an old saying - "there are no bad people, only people who have it bad". This film truly examines that statement, both philosophically and physically. I don't know if I could truly say I enjoyed watching it, but I'm glad I did, and I think so would you!
Plot summary
Apartment concierge Cesar (Luis Tosar) is a miserable person who believes he was born without the ability to be happy. As a result, he decides his mission is to make life hell for everyone around him. A majority of the tenants are easy to agitate, but Clara (Marta Etura) proves to be harder than the most. So Cesar goes to creepy extremes to make this young woman mentally break down. Things get even more complicated in this twisted relationship when her boyfriend, Marcos (Alberto San Juan),shows up.
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While you were sleeping... examining the dark sides of the seemingly harmless.
Outstanding follow-up from the guy who brought us REC
Director Jaume Balaguero is one heck of a talent. With REC he made what is quite possibly Spain's best-ever horror movie; with this follow-up he delivers an outstanding thriller and one that manages to be totally unique even in this world overloaded with constant cinema and DVD content.
About the only thing the two films have in common is a creepy old apartment building as a background, but other than that SLEEP TIGHT is a complete surprise. To say too much would be to spoil the fun, suffice to say that this is one of those rare movies where the protagonist isn't necessarily a good guy. Despite this, actor Luis Tosar gives an exemplary performance as the main character; he reminded me of the guy who played the lead in TIMECRIMES, with the characters similarly getting into more and more difficulties as the story lines progress.
SLEEP TIGHT boasts outstanding production values and a truly creepy premise. Balaguero's direction is top notch, to the degree that the viewer can readily forgive the occasional plot hole and lapse of judgement on the part of the scriptwriter. There are so many blacky comic, genuinely suspenseful, and downright exciting sequences in this film that it's something of a mini masterpiece; I for one had a ball with it.
MISERY LOVES COMPANY
Cesar (Luis Tosar) is the concierge/super for an apartment building. He seems like a normal helpful person, however under it all he is not a people person. At night he has chloroform sex with Clara, an unsuspecting tenant. He confesses his misdeeds to his mother, who is bed ridden, unable to speak, only cry. He is also being blackmailed by a young girl (Iris Almeida) who espies him coming out of Clara's room (Marta Etura).
The film is not overly graphic and goes easy on the "perv" factor. You are drawn into the film to see how far Cesar will go to make everyone miserable. It is a well done production, unlike so many "B" films in this genre.
The film lacks any real good "B" horror. At the same time it is a "B" movie subject. I would imagine the niche is narrow for a fan base in this slow moving tale.
Parental Guide: F-bomb, brief sex, brief nudity.