BEFORE I WAKE (2016)

Summary:

Grieving the loss of their own son, Jessie and Mark Hobson decide to adopt Cody, a sweet and loving 8-year-old orphan. They soon discover that Cody has a unique and terrifying ability: his dreams and nightmares physically manifest in the real world while he sleeps. Initially, they are enchanted by his beautiful dreams, even trying to manipulate them to see their deceased son again.

However, their joy turns to horror when Cody's nightmares begin to materialize, bringing a terrifying entity into their home. As they delve into Cody's mysterious past, they uncover the tragic fates of his previous foster parents and the chilling truth behind the monster that haunts his sleep, forcing them to confront a reality where the boundaries between dream and waking are dangerously blurred.

Keywords: Before I Wake, 2016, Kate Bosworth, Thomas Jane, Jacob Tremblay, Horror, Fantasy, Thriller, Drama.

Plot:

Jessie and Mark Hobson, still reeling from the accidental death of their young son, Sean, decide to adopt Cody, an 8-year-old boy from an orphanage. Cody is charming and affectionate, but he harbors a deep fear of sleeping. Jessie soon observes strange phenomena in their home: beautiful butterflies fluttering about when Cody dreams, and eventually, the appearance of Sean. Initially, Jessie and Mark are delighted, believing Cody's ability could be a way to reconnect with their lost son, and they encourage him to dream of Sean.

Their fascination quickly turns to dread when Cody's nightmares manifest as a monstrous, shadowy figure he calls "The Canker Man." This entity is terrifying and dangerous, causing harm to those around Cody. Jessie begins to investigate Cody's past, learning that his previous foster parents died under mysterious circumstances and that his biological mother disappeared. Through old case files and conversations with Cody's social worker, Jessie uncovers the tragic truth: The Canker Man is not just a monster, but a manifestation of Cody's dying biological mother, who suffered from cancer. In his young mind, her illness transformed her into a grotesque figure, and Cody's dreams were a way for him to keep her alive, albeit in a distorted form. The Canker Man only appears when Cody is scared or upset, reflecting his subconscious fears about his mother's illness and his inability to save her. Jessie helps Cody confront his fears and understand that the monster is merely a reflection of his grief and trauma, ultimately allowing him to transform his nightmare into a peaceful memory of his mother.

Cast (Lead Roles):

• Kate Bosworth as Jessie Hobson
• Thomas Jane as Mark Hobson
• Jacob Tremblay as Cody Morgan
• Annabeth Gish as Natalie Friedman
• Scottie Thompson as Dana

Crew:

• Director: Mike Flanagan
• Writers: Mike Flanagan, Jeff Howard
• Producers: Trevor Macy, Sam Englebardt, William D. Johnson
• Music by: Danny Bensi, Saunder Jurriaans
• Cinematography: Michael Fimognari
• Editor: Mike Flanagan

Release Info:

• Original Release Date: September 9, 2016 (USA)
• Language: English
• Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Thriller, Drama
• Running Time: 97 minutes
• Accolades: None significant