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Exploring the depths of “Sleep”: A supernatural domestic thriller
A chilling tale of sleepwalking and family dynamics
Jason Yu’s feature debut, “Sleep,” delves into the eerie world of a South Korean couple, Soo-jin and Hyeon-soo, portrayed by Jung Yu-mi and Lee Sun-kyun. The film explores the unsettling impact of Hyeon-soo’s increasingly dark sleepwalking habits on their relationship. As they welcome a baby into their lives, Soo-jin embarks on a quest to uncover the true cause of her husband’s terrifying nocturnal behavior. Yu, who honed his skills as Bong Joon-ho’s assistant during the filming of “Okja,” draws inspiration from his mentor and the late Lee, a significant influence on his filmmaking journey.
The genesis of “Sleep”
Yu’s inspiration for “Sleep” stems from his own troubling sleep habits. He shares, “I have some very nasty sleeping habits. Not as nasty as what transpires in the film, but I’m a very loud snorer and have a serious case of sleep apnea.” His wife’s fear and concern over his sleep apnea episodes sparked his imagination, leading him to ponder, “What if my sleeping habits were slightly scarier?” This personal experience laid the foundation for the film’s chilling premise.
From pure horror to family drama
Initially, Yu approached the script with a pure horror perspective. However, he found it repetitive and lacking excitement. It wasn’t until he revisited the story during a significant life transition—preparing to marry his longtime girlfriend—that the narrative evolved. Yu explains, “My now-wife and I were thinking a lot about marital relationships, parenthood, and marriage.” These personal reflections naturally seeped into the screenplay, enriching the story with deeper marital and family issues.
Cinematic influences and unexpected inspirations
While audience members at various festivals pointed out influences from films like “The Shining” and “Rosemary’s Baby,” Yu acknowledges these connections retrospectively. The basic premise of “Sleep”—a pregnant wife, a troubled husband, and their relationship within a single-location building—bears a resemblance to “Rosemary’s Baby.” However, an unlikely influence also shaped the film: “Erin Brockovich.” Yu likens Soo-jin’s resilience to that of Erin Brockovich, emphasizing her determination to overcome obstacles rather than yielding to them.
Collaborating with Lee Sun-kyun
Working with Lee Sun-kyun was a profound honor for Yu. He describes Lee as a mentor and a guiding force on set, sharing, “He had the most experience among our cast and crew, so he was like a big brother to us.” Lee’s wisdom extended beyond acting, offering practical advice that often alleviated the crew’s concerns. Yu reflects, “He was almost like a producer in that way. He had so much wisdom to impart.”
Authentic chemistry on screen
Yu’s initial concern about the on-screen chemistry between Jung Yu-mi and Lee Sun-kyun quickly dissipated. The actors, having starred in four films together as romantic interests, already shared a strong bond. Yu recalls, “Everything melted away on the first day when we had to shoot this very intimate, loving scene between the two, and they nailed it on the spot.” Their real-life friendship translated seamlessly into their performances, adding authenticity to the central relationship.
Guidance from Bong Joon-ho
Bong Joon-ho’s encouragement played a pivotal role in Yu’s decision to direct “Sleep.” After reading Yu’s screenplay, Bong advised him to pursue directing, saying, “This screenplay is really good. I think you should direct it, and I think you can do a great job in directing it.” This endorsement gave Yu the confidence to move forward. Additionally, Bong’s technical advice to draw storyboards proved invaluable. Yu shares, “Being under the tutelage of director Bong, I drew the first draft of the storyboards myself.”
Future projects on the horizon
Looking ahead, Yu is excited about two potential projects. One continues in the horror genre, similar to “Sleep” but on a larger scale. The other is a departure from horror—a romantic comedy, a genre Yu dreams of exploring. He hopes to garner the same enthusiasm from investors and producers for this new venture.
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