Matrixston Wow! Such a good movie.
Matrixiole Simple and well acted, it has tension enough to knot the stomach.
InformationRap This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.
paulclaassen I started watching the film with the pre-conceived idea I wasn't really going to like it, or that it might be boring. I couldn't have been more wrong! This was scary. This was magical, sad, believable and beautiful! Yes, we've all seen movies before where a couple adopts a child and things then go very wrong. I actually expected this to be a 'been there seen that' scenario. The actors were really great and convincing. I also enjoyed the idea of the mother being in a therapy group, as it helped clarify a lot of things. The film has a great atmosphere and great visuals. I loved it.
catsmeow0411 An amazing child with special powers. His dreams love to life but tragically also his nightmares.
Mark Radwan It's nice to see a horror movie in this day and age that doesn't rely on jumpscares with a loud music stinger. The acting isn't the best, but the mood and atmosphere make up for it. The creepiest moments for me are when you briefly glimpse the Canker Man in the background or in shadow. I also like that they explain the origin of the monster at the end.Overall, it was a very enjoyable experience and a breath of fresh air for a modern horror movie.
Hellmant 'BEFORE I WAKE': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)A horror fantasy about a couple who adopt a child who's dreams, and nightmares, come alive physically when he sleeps. It stars Kate Bosworth, Jacob Tremblay, Thomas Jane, Annabeth Gish and Dash Mihok. The film was directed by Mike Flanagan (who's also helmed such other low budget horror flicks as 'OCULUS', 'HUSH', 'OUIJA: ORIGIN OF EVIL' and 'GERALD'S GAME'), and it was scripted by Flanagan and Jeff Howard (Flanagan's frequent writing partner). It's received mixed to positive reviews from critics, and it was released by Netflix through it's streaming site. I enjoyed it. After tragically losing a child, and being unable to have more kids of their own, Jessie (Bosworth) and Mark (Jane) decide to adopt. They pick an eight-year-old boy named Cody (Tremblay), who seems like a sweet and idealistic kid. Then the couple witnesses Cody's dreams manifest themselves in front of them. The dreams are at first beautiful things, like butterflies, and the couple also sees their deceased son (Antonio Evan Romero) appear among them too. Jessie sadly takes advantage of Cody, in order to create her lost son for her. Cody's dreams soon turn to nightmares though, and a horrific and deadly monster appears. I've really enjoyed Flanagan's other movies, and I really like this cast as well; especially Tremblay, who's turning into such an impressive young actor. The premise for this film is really interesting and creepy too. It's even beautiful and touching at times. The film overall is a little slow though, and it doesn't quite ever live up to it's great potential. Still, it's a decently made little horror flick, without a doubt.
