By Keeva Stratton
Christine (Nicole Kidman) is an amnesiac. Following a traumatic accident several years earlier, she has lost her memory and is unable to remember even the events of the previous day. When she wakes, Christine believes she is still in her twenties. The daily shock of discovering herself as a forty year old surrounded by people she doesn’t know, including her husband, causes her to fear many of the people she is asked to trust. And we, the viewer, have our doubts also.
Through a series of photographs, her husband Ben (Colin Firth) and her therapist Mike (Mark Strong) are helping her to recover her past. As she does, though, many questions are raised; and Christine can’t help but feel as though key events and people are being withheld from her. But why?
Like Christine, we are slowly putting together the pieces of this mysterious puzzle. It’s a thrilling and gripping ride, as we are led to question each character’s true motives and intentions through a timeline that’s as blurry as the central character’s memories.
What emerges is a shocking truth and a finale that will leave your pulse racing. It’s rare that a film combines both the talents of Kidman and Firth, as well as the quality of script (adapted from the SJ Watson novel by the film’s director, Rowan Joffe) that is present here.
Before I Go to Sleep offers both a thrilling and haunting ride as we learn the truth of one woman’s past. It is also surprisingly violent. If you like your films thrilling and tense, then this is a must-see.
Some early reviewers have been a little harsher in their opinions of this film; but I really enjoyed the character development, Mark Strong’s performance as the therapist, and the jolting memories flashing before us that affect the audience as they do the subject.
Directed by: Rowan Joffe
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth, Mark Strong
Rating: MA
Runtime: 92mins
Release Date: 16 October
Reviewer rating: 4/5