The Sleepwalker

The Sleepwalker is a 2014 movie directed by Mona Fastvold, which tells the story of a couple that is forced to confront their past when they receive an unexpected visit from the woman's estranged sister.

Marta (Gitte Witt) and her partner, Kaia (Stephanie Ellis), live together in a secluded lakeside house. They seem to have a stable and loving relationship, but their dynamic is threatened when Marta's younger sister, Dyl (Brady Corbet), unexpectedly shows up with her new boyfriend, Gene (Christopher Abbott).

From the beginning, there is a palpable tension between Marta and Dyl, who share a painful secret from their past that has been kept hidden for years. As the four of them spend more time together, the tension only grows, and Marta's relationship with Kaia is put under an increasingly intense strain.

At the same time, strange things start happening around the house. Marta begins sleepwalking, and Kaia is increasingly concerned about her emotional stability. The lake next to the house starts to experience mysterious fluctuations in its water levels, and objects around the house suddenly seem to move on their own.

As tensions rise and the lines between reality and dream become blurred, the characters are forced to confront their deepest fears and desires. Marta becomes increasingly drawn to Gene, while Dyl seems to be hiding something important about her own relationship with him. Meanwhile, Kaia struggles to keep a grip on her own emotions and maintain her connection with Marta amidst the chaos that surrounds them.

One of the film's greatest strengths is its ability to create an atmosphere of mounting unease and tension. The isolated setting of the lakeside house, combined with the eerie background music and the dreamlike quality of the visuals, creates a sense of foreboding that is impossible to ignore.

In terms of performances, the actors all do an excellent job of conveying the characters' emotional struggles. Gitte Witt in particular gives a standout performance as Marta, who is torn between her loyalty to her partner and her attraction to Gene. Christopher Abbott also gives a powerful depiction of a man caught up in a situation that he doesn't fully understand, while Stephanie Ellis is excellent as Kaia, who is slowly but surely losing control of her own emotional stability.

Overall, The Sleepwalker is a haunting and deeply emotional film that explores the complexities of family relationships and the ways in which past traumas can continue to haunt us long after they are over. With its intense atmosphere and strong performances, it is a film that is sure to stay with you long after the credits roll.