Sleep Tight [2011] Review: Sick. Twisted. Nightmarish.
A haunting, unsparing & utterly discomforting psychological horror that's capable of unleashing worse nightmares than most examples of its genre, all because of how messed up yet plausible its premise actually is, Sleep Tight is a highly undervalued Spanish chiller that benefits a lot from Jaume Balagueró's sharp direction & Luis Tosar's disturbing performance, and is undeniably deserving of a broader viewership.
A sick, twisted & nightmarish psychological horror pierced with undercurrents of black comedy, Sleep Tight (also known as Mientras duermes) is a brutal, intense & nail-biting example of its genre that’s absolutely merciless with its content and only gets more unnerving as plot progresses.
Directed by Jaume Balagueró, best known for [•REC], the premise is simple & set up real quick but once the audience is let in on the events at play here, it becomes an utterly discomforting ride. Balagueró ratchet things up in a very methodical fashion, escalating the tension gradually to a point where it’s almost tangible.
The script doesn’t delve deep into the character’s psyche or background but that’s not much of an issue, for its close proximity to real-life scenario is sufficient to keep the viewers invested in the story. The horror elements are effectively utilised while their visceral quality results in some truly nerve-wracking moments.
Despite the lack of character depth, the actors play their part rather well and deliver compelling performances. Luis Tosar plays the concierge who takes great pleasure in torturing others and his quiet rendition & calm demeanour only contributes to the spiteful persona he brings to life. Marta Etura is no slouch in the role of the cheery resident and chips in with a strong act.