Laura Hasn't Slept is a 2020 American short horror film written, directed, and co-produced by Parker Finn. The film stars Caitlin Stasey and Lew Temple. It would later serve as inspiration and prequel for Finn's feature-length horror film Smile (2022), in which Stasey briefly reprised her role.[1]
| Laura Hasn't Slept | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Parker Finn |
| Written by | Parker Finn |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Dan Clarke |
| Edited by | Tristan Borys |
| Music by | Rob Himebaugh |
| Distributed by | Paramount Home Entertainment |
Release date |
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Running time | 11 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Plot edit
While telling her therapist Dr. Parsons about a recurring nightmare in which a sinister man constantly smiles at her, Laura Weaver discovers that she is still experiencing the nightmare when Parsons morphs into a grotesque creature that wants to force Laura to look at it. Refusing to look, Laura runs out of the room but returns a few moments later when she believes the monster has gone; however, it suddenly appears in front of her, causing her to go insane and scream while ripping off her own face.
Cast edit
- Caitlin Stasey as Laura Weaver
- Lew Temple as Dr. Parsons
Release edit
The film was screened at the SXSW Film Festival.[2] Following the success of Smile, it was released on YouTube in November 2022.[3]
Reception edit
Nightmarish Conjurings does "not recommend the film if you're having problems sleeping".[2] Morbidly Beautiful scored it 4.5 out of 5.[4]
References edit
- ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (2020-06-09). "Paramount, Temple Hill Set Feature Version Of Horror Short 'Laura Hasn't Slept'". Deadline. Retrieved 2022-10-04.
- ^ a b Musnicky, Sarah (2020-04-07). "[SXSW Review] LAURA HASN'T SLEPT". Nightmarish Conjurings. Retrieved 2022-10-04.
- ^ Squires, John (2022-11-30). "'Laura Hasn't Slept' – Watch the Original Short Film That Became This Year's 'Smile' [Video]". Bloody Disgusting!. Retrieved 2023-01-16.
- ^ "SXSW Shorts: Laura Hasn't Slept". Morbidly Beautiful. 2020-06-11. Retrieved 2022-10-04.
