Somnium (2024) Review

Somnium (2024) Review

At experimental sleep clinic, SOMNIUM, dreams are made real. Side effects may include: hallucinations, confusion, paranoia, sleep paralysis, detachment from reality, lost sense of self, permanent nightmares. Written and directed by Racheal Cain, the science-fiction thriller stars Chloë Levine (THE SACRIFICE GAME, TRANSFIGURATION), Will Peltz (UNFRIENDED) and Grace Van Dien (STRANGER THINGS).

First-time director Racheal Cain is to be applauded for creating a near dreamlike vibe in SOMNIUM, which is appropriate, given that it is set in an experimental sleep clinic designed to make customer’s fantasies feel ‘real’. With a winning and beguiling Chloë Levine headlining as naive wannabe actor Gemma Solomon the viewer is easily drawn in and seduced by her circumstances so much so that like Gemma we have difficulty telling what is real from what isn’t.

There are nightmarish flashes, just glimpses that tease and let us know that things are not as they seem to be on the surface and before you know it you’re as deep into Gemma’s inescapable situation as she is. It all leads to a discomforting and achingly sad ending that resonates long after viewing. There are echoes of both the late great David Lynch’s 2001 MULHOLLAND DRIVE – albeit not as disturbing – and Christopher Nolan’s 2010 INCEPTION – albeit without the budget – but it remains very much its own beast. The deliberate pacing may not appeal to all but for those content to stick with it and see where it goes you’re in a for a treat. SOMNIUM is quiet, understated and all the more effective for it.

Lightbulb Film Distribution is delighted to announce that SOMNIUM will be released in the UK & Ireland from 8th September.

Watch trailer here: