Before I Wake Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A kid’s dreams and nightmares become real, forcing his foster parents to confront their past and a creepy Canker Man that looks like it crawled out of a forgotten Tim Burton film.

🍿 Before I Wake: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Adopting Cody and Discovering His Dreams

Jessie and Mark, grieving the loss of their son Sean, decide to foster 8-year-old Cody, hoping to fill the void in their lives. Cody is a sweet but troubled boy who is terrified of falling asleep. They soon discover the reason: Cody’s dreams manifest into reality. Initially, his dreams bring them joy, creating beautiful butterflies and even manifesting their deceased son, Sean. However, they quickly learn that his nightmares are equally real and far more dangerous.

The Canker Man and Cody’s Nightmares

Cody’s nightmares manifest as a terrifying figure called the ‘Canker Man,’ a monstrous being that embodies his deepest fears. The Canker Man begins to harm those around him, including Mark. Jessie realizes the gravity of the situation and the need to protect Cody and herself. As the line between dream and reality blurs, Jessie delves into Cody’s past, searching for the origin of his nightmares and the Canker Man. She discovers that Cody’s nightmares are linked to a traumatic event in his early childhood.

Unveiling the Past and Confronting the Nightmare

Jessie investigates Cody’s past and finds out that the Canker Man is a manifestation of Cody’s memories of his biological mother, who was suffering from cancer. As a child, Cody couldn’t understand the disease, so his mind created a monster to represent his fear and confusion. To save Cody and those around him, Jessie knows she must confront the Canker Man and help Cody overcome his fear. This involves facing her own grief and helping Cody understand the truth about his mother.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Cody (Jacob Tremblay): A sweet but troubled orphaned boy whose dreams and nightmares manifest into reality when he sleeps.
• Jessie (Kate Bosworth): A grieving mother who adopts Cody, hoping to reconnect with her deceased son.
• Mark (Thomas Jane): Jessie’s husband, who is initially skeptical of Cody’s abilities but grows to care for him.
• Canker Man (Topher Bousquet): A terrifying monster born from Cody’s nightmares, representing his fears and trauma.
• Natalie (Annabeth Gish): A social worker involved in Cody’s case, trying to find him a stable home.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jessie: “No one ever really goes away. Not completely. Because they live in our minds, and in our hearts.” – Jessie reflects on the nature of loss and memory, highlighting how loved ones remain present even after death.
• Cody: “I’m sorry.” – Cody says this repeatedly when his nightmares manifest, showing his guilt and fear of his powers.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $14 million
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $3.96 million

💥 Before I Wake Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, I’ll admit, ‘Before I Wake’ got to me. The kid, Cody, is just so adorable, and then you see his nightmares come to life! The scene with the butterflies was pure magic, and it tugged at my heartstrings when the parents saw their deceased son. But when Canker Man showed up, I was hiding behind my popcorn. It’s more of a supernatural drama than straight-up horror, and the ending was bittersweet. Definitely worth a watch if you’re in the mood for something different.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of supernatural dramas”
  • “Viewers who enjoy emotional storylines”
  • “Those interested in films about dreams and nightmares”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Nightmare sequences”
  • “Disturbing images”
  • “Themes of loss and grief”
  • “Mild violence”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Mike Flanagan crafts an emotionally resonant horror that’s more fable than fright-fest. While it may not deliver constant scares, it offers a compelling exploration of grief and the power of imagination.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “‘Before I Wake’ delivers intriguing concepts but struggles with execution. Though well-acted, especially by Jacob Tremblay, it fails to fully realize its potential as a gripping horror, leaning instead into a more fantasy-driven narrative.
• IGN: “Flanagan manages to weave together elements of fantasy and horror. While jump scares are minimal, its strength lies in character development and emotional depth.

Audience Reactions

Viewers praised Jacob Tremblay’s performance and found the story emotionally engaging.: Many enjoyed the blend of fantasy and horror, with a unique and touching story.

Some viewers disliked the ending, finding it disappointing and confusing.: A few were frustrated by unanswered questions and plot holes.

Overall Consensus: A visually appealing supernatural drama with strong performances, though some find the ending unsatisfying and the horror elements inconsistent.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Mike Flanagan repeatedly objected to the film being marketed as a “horror movie,” and instead referred to it as a “fable” or a “supernatural drama.””
• “Jacob Tremblay, known for his role in ‘Room,’ continues to impress with his performance as Cody, showcasing his acting ability in a unique role.”

🖥️ How to Watch Before I Wake?

Before I Wake is available for streaming on various platforms, including Prime Video and Apple TV, where you may need a subscription or purchase option. You can also find it to rent or buy on demand through services like Google Play Movies, Vudu, and YouTube. Check your local listings for availability, as options may vary by region. Purchasing a digital copy provides the most reliable access to the movie.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Before I Wake, you might like these similar films:

• Dreamscape (1984): Deals with similar themes of entering and manipulating dreams, and the potential dangers within.
• A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984): Explores the horror of nightmares becoming reality, with a supernatural entity preying on vulnerable individuals in their sleep.
• Mama (2013): Focuses on a supernatural entity attached to children, blending horror with emotional themes of loss and family.
• The Babadook (2014): Explores grief and trauma manifesting as a terrifying entity, blurring the lines between psychological and supernatural horror.

🛒 Before I Wake Related Products

• Nightmare Before Christmas Jack Skellington Plush: A cuddly 14-inch plush of Jack Skellington, capturing the eerie charm of Tim Burton’s classic. It’s a comforting and spooky addition to any fan’s collection.
• Dream Dictionary: An A to Z Guide to Understand What Your Dreams Really Mean: A comprehensive guide to dream interpretation, helping you decode the hidden meanings behind your dreams and nightmares.
• Butterfly Stickers for Kids: High-quality, colorful butterfly stickers perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to crafts, scrapbooks, or room decor.
• Mike Flanagan’s Blu-ray Collection (Oculus/Hush): Get two critically acclaimed horror films from director Mike Flanagan. Experience his unique storytelling and suspenseful direction.

🎧 Soundtrack

Before I Wake features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Sean” – performed by Danny Elfman

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Mysterious Kid Has Superpower to Make His Dreams Come True

Ever get confused by the plot of ‘Before I Wake’? This video breaks it down so easily! It’s like a cheat sheet for understanding what’s going on with the dream-controlling kid.

10 Horror Movie Villains Secretly Introduced Way Earlier Than You Realise

Did you know ‘Before I Wake’ might have subtly introduced the villain way earlier than you thought? This video points out those sneaky moments in horror flicks. I personally love finding hidden details like that!

✨ Rate