Synopsis:

An insomniac solicits the help of her therapist in a desperate attempt to escape her nightmares.

The 56th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) ran from October 14th through October 25th. I was lucky enough to be granted some virtual screenings, as the entire experience is virtual due to The Rona. This is the sixth of about ten works I viewed that are apart of their ‘After Dark’ series. The following film was available as part of Shorts 3: A Creeping Chill (After Dark).

A great deal of us (around 30%), unfortunately, suffer from some form of insomnia. While insomnia is caused by a number of different things and varies from person to person, nightmares may be the most relatable. We’ve all had nightmares but have they ever been so debilitating that you’re afraid to shut your eyes? You eagerly want to sleep but even the shortest nap results in you beholding something so terrifying that the only option is to seek professional help. Laura Hasn’t Slept is an American short horror film revolving around this issue. It’s a mind-bending, nightmarish good time. The film has a nice ominous tone, nice cinematography, and the effects are pretty decent, but where it falls a bit short for me is the ending. While the suspense and terrors are done well, ultimately, the build-up was a letdown. However, there are plenty of people that would jump out of their skin. I’d compare it a mixture of They and any Freddie Krueger film. With its great acting, this is a fun short film to watch. Its rewatchability is medium-high.

Plot & Pace

Laura has been experiencing terrible bouts of insomnia for awhile stemming from night terrors. She has been seeing a professional to see if it will help combat her problem. However, this visit is unlike other occasions and now she doesn’t know nightmare from reality.

The short is well paced and the build-up is well executed.

Characters & Chemistry

Caitlin Stasey does a fantastic job as Laura. She delivers a performance that would serve any horror film well. You could really feel the sense of terror and panic.

Laura Hasn’t Slept was apart of the 56th Chicago International Film Festival.