SLIFF 2015 Review – SLEEP WITH ME

SLEEP WITH ME takes a downbeat look at the traditional marriage vows. Well, one in particular, you know “for better or for worse”. For the couple at the center of the story, it’s tough for things to get much worse. It’s as though the Righteous Brothers classic “You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feeling” were playing on a constant loop through their home’s sound system. The husband is Paul (Cliff Chamberlain), a frustrated small town Missouri academic who now makes a living by managing the home rental properties owned by his surly, abusive father Henry (Raymond J. Barry). And a good chunk of Paul’s days are occupied by taking care of his mean ole’ widower Daddy’s house. The wife is Gabi (Danielle Canastra), a transplant from South America with a somewhat shady past. She’s eager to rebuild her reputation and begin life anew by starting a family with Paul. But she’s having trouble concieving while Paul’s interest in her is rapidly waning. However he soon becomes interested in Rachel (Kelly O’Sulllivan), one of Henry’s tenants that’s behind in her rent. There’s a strong connection between Paul and the adrift college student. Meanwhile Gabi is in debt to her former beau, the local crime kingpin Santi (Lobo Sebastian), after he sells her fertility drugs.  All this happens while she also begins utilizing the services of a much younger male hustler, Kyle (Luke Stratte-McClure). This little Midwestern town has enough adultery and deceit to occupy a major metropolis.

Writer/director Brian Jun expertly exposes the steamy underbelly of lazy, hazy small town America. We feel the frustration of Paul and the yearning of Gabi. Jun inspires solid performances from the cast, especially the terrific Barry as the horrific “daddy dearest”, spewing bile and venom toward anyone within shouting range. No effort is made to soften this abrasive monster, he’s all hard edges ready to cut you to the quick. His verbal menace is nearly matched by the physical menace of Sebastian as the merciless small-time criminal, a man who has his “dirty little fingers” in everybody’s pie. With all these interesting ingredients SLEEP WITH ME makes for a spicy, simmering, sexual stew.

SLEEP WITH ME screens on Saturday, November 7 at 9:15 PM at Landmark’s Plaza Frontenac Cinemas as part of the 24th Annual Whitaker St Louis International Film Festival. Purchase tickets here