Confusing Thai horror ‘Don’t Sleep’ Is Best Endured Together | Movie Review

In the heart of Bangkok, a group of friends is unknowingly drawn into a deadly game with an ancient and malevolent spirit. After a tragic accident, Thai, a guilt-ridden biker, struggles with sleepless nights and haunting visions of a young boy he hit in a hit-and-run. Desperate for peace, Thai turns to his friend Tle, who leads him to the mysterious Mhom, a medium who specialises in dark rituals and the occult. Mhom introduces them to the Phi Thuai Kaew, a cursed Ouija board that supposedly holds the key to lifting Thai’s curse.

(C) Cineamo

A film can evoke intense reactions or divide an audience, but it should never be confusing. Don’t Sleep falls into that trap. No, it’s not just about being lost in translation; the film itself is structured peculiarly. Even the title card shows up a third of the way into the movie. Make no mistake, there’s nothing inherently wrong with that. However, it’s a problem when nothing makes sense halfway through the film. It also abruptly shifts the main story after the title card, without any warning. Honestly, I was lost. And if you're lost, the horror loses its impact too.

Even at a basic level, the film makes some glaring missteps. Characters are introduced rapidly and we’re expected to remember them without any development. To be fair, the film (literally) explains the point of it all toward the end, and I was genuinely surprised by what it was trying to say. Thailand is a country rich in culture that deserves to be portrayed on the big screen, which makes it even more frustrating that the lore wasn’t built up properly. There are some interesting visuals here. it’s hard to fault how the camera moves, but the style feels more suited to a music video or a different genre. 

On the other hand, Don’t Sleep is the kind of film best watched with a crowd or a group of friends, even if just for the wrong reasons. Sometimes, the real treasure in watching a movie is the friends we make along the way. It’s definitely an unforgettable communal experience. However, these days, the more rational choice might be to just sleep instead. 1/5 ⭐ 

Don't Sleep is now playing as a Ayala Malls Cinemas exclusive in the Philippines.