Laura Hasn't Slept is a 2020 American short psychological supernatural horror film written, co-produced, and directed by Parker Finn. The film stars Caitlin Stasey and Lew Temple.
| 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 |
The short's success would later serve as a precursor to Finn's feature-length horror film Smile (2022), in which Stasey briefly reprised her role.[1] It was subsequently followed by a franchise of the same name.
Plot
editLaura Weaver sees her therapist Dr. Parsons and tells him about a recurring nightmare in which a sinister figure constantly smiles at her while taking the appearance of different people, resulting in her developing a fear of sleeping.
Soon, Laura discovers that she is still experiencing the nightmares and is currently in one when Parsons' office begins to decay and he morphs into a grotesque creature that wants to force Laura to look at its "true face". Refusing to look, Laura runs out of the office but returns a few moments later when she believes that the monster has gone; however, it 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
editThe film was screened at the SXSW Film Festival.[2] Following the success of Smile, it was released on YouTube in November 2022.[3]
Reception
editNightmarish 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. (June 9, 2020). "Paramount, Temple Hill Set Feature Version Of Horror Short 'Laura Hasn't Slept'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
- ^ a b Musnicky, Sarah (April 7, 2020). "[SXSW Review] LAURA HASN'T SLEPT". Nightmarish Conjurings. Retrieved April 7, 2020.
- ^ Squires, John (November 30, 2022). "'Laura Hasn't Slept' – Watch the Original Short Film That Became This Year's 'Smile' [Video]". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved November 30, 2022.
- ^ "SXSW Shorts: Laura Hasn't Slept". Morbidly Beautiful. June 10, 2020. Retrieved June 10, 2020.