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A Disappointing Return for Hayden Panettiere
For fans of Hayden Panettiere, especially those hoping to see her return to the horror genre after her recent appearance in the Scream franchise, Sleepwalker might come as a letdown. Directed by Brandon Auman, this psychological thriller centers on Sarah, a grieving mother haunted by the loss of her daughter and the looming threat of her abusive ex-husband. The film attempts to explore the complexities of sleepwalking, but ultimately falls short of delivering a coherent or compelling narrative.
What Is ‘Sleepwalker’ About?
The film opens with Sarah, played by Panettiere, comforting her daughter Aimee (Corinne Sweeney) as she teaches her about distinguishing reality from dreams. This scene is later revealed to be a memory, as Aimee has died in a tragic accident. The opening sequence sets the tone for Sarah’s ongoing struggle, as she blames herself for her daughter’s death. Her abusive ex-husband, Michael (Justin Chatwin), continues to haunt her in her dreams, even though he is in a coma.
Living with her eccentric mother (Beverly D’Angelo) and her disturbed son Holden (Laird LaCoste), Sarah tries to cope with her condition, but her methods only make things worse. Her sleepwalking leads to violent outbursts, and she becomes a danger to herself and others. The film blurs the lines between dreams and reality, leaving viewers questioning what really happened the night Aimee died and whether Sarah is being tormented by her past or if she had a role in her daughter’s death.
‘Sleepwalker’ Doesn’t Know If It Wants to Be a Horror Film or a Thriller
One of the film’s biggest flaws is its tonal inconsistency. While it features an unsettling score by Sebastian Evans and some jump scares, it never fully commits to the horror genre. At times, it teases supernatural elements, such as a psychic who claims that Michael’s spirit is trying to reunite with Sarah in the dream world. These hints suggest a supernatural explanation for Sarah’s sleepwalking, but the film quickly abandons this idea, focusing instead on her deteriorating mental state.
This lack of focus leaves the audience confused about the film’s direction. By the time the credits roll, there are more questions than answers, and the story feels unresolved. The surreal horror sequences, while visually interesting, fail to deliver genuine fear or excitement. Instead, they distract from the core narrative, making the film feel disjointed.
‘Sleepwalker’ Offers a Surface-Level Look at Sarah’s Trauma
Panettiere, known for her role in the gripping thriller Amber Alert, is underutilized in Sleepwalker. She plays a character who is clearly distressed and struggling, but the film doesn’t give her much room to grow. Sarah is portrayed as a ticking time bomb rather than someone who gradually comes to terms with her trauma. Her relationship with her son Holden is also underdeveloped, leaving their shared grief unexplored.
Holden, who is also impacted by his sister’s death, is not given proper attention. The film fails to show how he and his mother could support each other through their respective traumas. Instead, they drift apart, which makes their dynamic frustrating to watch. A more focused exploration of their relationship could have added depth to the story.
A Missed Opportunity
Auman’s directorial debut had potential, but the final product doesn’t live up to its promise. The film is hard to follow, with no clear resolution or satisfying payoff. The supernatural elements serve more as distractions than meaningful additions to the plot. By focusing on Sarah’s downward spiral without providing a clear path forward, the film misses the opportunity to deliver a compelling psychological thriller.
Overall, Sleepwalker is a disappointing entry in Panettiere’s career. Fans hoping for a strong performance from the actress will likely be left wanting more. The film’s hazy premise and inconsistent tone make it difficult to recommend, especially for those looking for a solid horror or thriller experience.