A fresh perspective on ’No Sleep Till’: A cinematic journey through old Florida
Alexandra Simpson makes a remarkable debut with her feature film, No Sleep Till, which premiered at the Venice Critics Week. This visually captivating film offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of locals in a small Florida beach town, threatened by an impending hurricane. Shot by Sylvain Froidevaux, the film’s atmosphere is thick with humidity, as teenagers party and skateboard, and a young girl tends to a nearly deserted souvenir shop. The narrative weaves through the lives of an aspiring comic, his friend struggling to break into bigger clubs, a Zen-like storm chaser, and public pool caretakers, all living under the looming threat of gentrification.
Capturing the essence of a disappearing world
Simpson, born in Paris but having spent her summers in Neptune Beach, Florida, where much of the film was shot, captures a portrait of a vanishing way of life. She reflects on her choice of locations, noting, “These places are the last remnants of old Florida. Each time I return, everything is more polished and different.” The setting during a pending hurricane underscores the fragility of the remaining wooden homes, adding a layer of tension to the narrative.
A universal story through specific eyes
Despite her deep familiarity with Neptune Beach, Simpson approached the project with an outsider’s perspective. “I took on this project with alien eyes and European eyes, even though I know this town like the back of my hand,” she explains. This unique viewpoint allowed her to create a film that, while specific in its setting, resonates universally.
Simpson’s approach to the script was unconventional. “It was never about telling a story that evolves linearly,” she says. Instead, she focused on capturing specific behaviors and the poetry of vulnerability. The ensemble cast enabled her to delve deeply into character development while maintaining a strong emphasis on tone, atmosphere, and place.
The power of isolation and belonging
Simpson’s characters, though isolated, possess a profound sense of belonging to their town. “There’s a power in their isolation, a certain grace that comes from their connection to this specific place,” she observes. This sense of belonging imbues the film with a unique charm and poignancy.
A collaborative effort
No Sleep Till emerged from the Omnes Film collective, known for its innovative projects. Two of its features, Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point and Eephus, were screened in Directors’ Fortnight at Cannes. Tyler Taormina, a producer on No Sleep Till, was instrumental in bringing the project to life. Simpson discovered Taormina’s work through a poster for his film Ham on Rye and was captivated by its freedom and surprise. Their collaboration proved to be a fruitful one.
A practical yet experimental approach
The crew for No Sleep Till comprised Simpson’s friends from film school in Geneva, where the teaching was practical but experimental. “It was all about exploring different ways of having a vision,” she recalls. This experimental approach is evident in the film’s unique style and narrative structure.
Looking ahead: A new narrative challenge
Simpson’s next project will take a more traditional narrative approach, set in a small rural American town. “I want to show the relationship between two young sisters and their ill father, who live near a fair,” she reveals. This new project will challenge her to explore linear storytelling while maintaining the depth and nuance that characterized No Sleep Till.
Experience the trailer
For those eager to dive into the world of No Sleep Till, you can watch the trailer here.
Final thoughts
No Sleep Till is a testament to Alexandra Simpson’s unique vision and storytelling prowess. By capturing the essence of a disappearing world with an outsider’s eye, she has created a film that is both specific and universal, poignant and powerful. As she embarks on her next project, audiences can look forward to more compelling narratives from this talented filmmaker.