"Somnium" is a mesmerizing blend of sci-fi and horror, masterfully crafted by Racheal Cain. The film follows small-town Gemma (Chloë Levine), who moves to Los Angeles after a painful breakup, hoping to make it big. To get on her feet, she takes a job working the overnight shift at Somnium, a mysterious, experimental sleep clinic where dreams are made real. As she navigates the cutthroat world of Hollywood auditions, Gemma begins to experience strange and unsettling phenomena. The pressure mounts, and she soon finds herself trapped in a nightmarish spiral, uncovering dark secrets within the clinic's walls.
Chloë Levine delivers a stellar lead performance, reminiscent of her underrated role in "The Ranger," showcasing her ability to bring depth and nuance to complex characters. Her portrayal of Gemma, with a "Mia Goth" aura, is both captivating and haunting. The ensemble cast, including Will Peltz, Peter Vack, Clarissa Thibeaux, and Grace Van Dien, all contribute to the film's eerie atmosphere and tension. Johnathon Schaech, known for his role in "The Doom Generation," makes a welcome appearance, though he is somewhat underutilized.
The film feels like a darker version of "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," with its exploration of dreams and reality. Cain's direction evokes a David Cronenberg-esque sci-fi edge, merging seamlessly with the Hollywood cautionary tale reminiscent of "Starry Eyes." The production design is timeless, adding to the dreamlike quality of the narrative.
"Somnium" is a terrific debut, bursting with creativity and fascinating ideas about dreams, reality, memory, self-perception, and systems of abuse. It's a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, offering a chilling and thought-provoking cinematic experience. The collaborative efforts of the producers, executive producers, and talented crew, including composer Peter Ricq and cinematographer Lance Kuhns, result in a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film.
In conclusion, "Somnium" is a must-watch for fans of sci-fi and horror. It's a gorgeous genre piece that wraps complex themes in a thrilling narrative, anchored by a phenomenal performance from Chloë Levine. Racheal Cain's debut is a promising start to what will undoubtedly be a remarkable career in filmmaking.
Jessie Hobson