Loss-of-memory films can play host to intriguing ideas. When one loses all sense of self, how do they remember who and what they were, or even if they’re still the same person they were the day before? And how can they trust others or the history told about them? Before I Go to Sleep boasts an excellent cast and is a handsomely mounted production. Yet one can’t quite escape the notion there’s little that is noteworthy about this otherwise mild and pedestrian thriller.
Christine (Nicole Kidman) wakes up one morning in a large, isolated house to discover that she can not retain any recollections of her past life. She’s greeted by her husband (Colin Firth), who explains the unfortunate situation before heading off to work. However, Christine becomes suspicious after receiving a call from Dr. Nasch (Mark Strong) about a camera hidden in a closet. She begins to record confessions and information learned about her past life that conflicts with the stories told to her. Is the protagonist’s life in danger and if so, who can she really trust?
The movie is helped tremendously by a talented and able cast. Kidman has some interesting moments of discovery as a woman whose life isn’t as perfect as initially thought. Additionally, the script briefly touches upon the very same grief that one must experience day after day upon learning of tragedy and loss. And while both of the men in her life appear concerned about her state, there’s a mysterious hint of officiousness and remoteness in both Firth’s and Strong’s performance. The photography itself is also cool and icy, suggesting something nasty beneath the surface will soon be divulged.
Perhaps that’s why it’s all a little disappointing as the film progressing past the half way point. When all is revealed, let’s just say that there isn’t much more beyond a single twist and a simple explanation. It’s an interesting enough piece of information, but it feels like more misdirection and sudden turns could have really spruced up this tale. The climax itself doesn’t seem to maximize tension beyond a single scene – it might have been wiser to introduce more of a physical threat to acquaintances of the lead. It all feels a little too safe, almost like a TV movie.
Symptomatic of this bigger problem is the extended denouement that introduces and reintroduces characters one at a time in a slow and plodding manner – it’s impossible not to look at your watch as the final heart to heart talks begin to grind over an extended period of time. And while this is occurring, viewers are given too much time to think about the plot as a whole. Frankly, they’re likely to find that it doesn’t hold up to much scrutiny.
This is a case of excellent performers making the most out of a rather routine potboiler. In spite of all of their best efforts, this suspense flick doesn’t generate much in the way of pulse-pounding thrills or truly shocking revelations. It might do in a pinch (and would make for a passable DVD rental), but otherwise Before I Go to Sleep isn’t likely to be remembered the next morning.