Sleepwalking
A drifting young man is forced into reluctant parenthood when his sister abandons her daughter amid drugs, poverty, and family violence.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Slow
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- bleak
- melancholic
- desolate
- serious movie night
- quiet weekend viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film emotionally sincere and supported by sharp performances, but weighed down by grim tone, sluggish pacing, and weak writing.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
James takes responsibility for Tara despite his aimless life, job loss, and lack of preparation for parenthood.
The road trip to James's childhood connects the present custody crisis to his damaged family past.
Critics specifically identify the frozen Midwestern setting and the film sustains a stark, desolate atmosphere around its struggling characters.
James and Joleen's crisis is tied to their abusive father, whose presence intensifies the danger surrounding Tara.
Films like Sleepwalking, and why
The Pursuit of Happyness
bleak family dysfunction, vulnerable children, and a damaged adult struggling toward responsibility
The Ice Storm
somber road journey, fractured family relationships, and emotionally restrained character drama
Winter's Bone
bleak rural atmosphere, child endangerment, and an imperfect caretaker seeking redemption
Movie Details
- Director
- William Maher
- Release Date
- 2008-03-14
- Runtime
- 101 min
- Rating
- 6.1 / 10 (108)
Cast
- Nick Stahl
- AnnaSophia Robb
- Charlize Theron
- Woody Harrelson
- Dennis Hopper
- Deborra-Lee Furness
- Callum Keith Rennie
- Amy Matysio
- Simon Chin
- Mathew St. Patrick
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Starz Apple TV channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Sleepwalking about?
- A drifting young man is forced into reluctant parenthood when his sister abandons her daughter amid drugs, poverty, and family violence.
- What is Sleepwalking like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Sleepwalking as slow, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Sleepwalking violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Sleepwalking as moderate.
- What did critics think of Sleepwalking?
- Critics broadly found the film emotionally sincere and supported by sharp performances, but weighed down by grim tone, sluggish pacing, and weak writing.
- Which films are like Sleepwalking?
- Films with a similar feel include The Pursuit of Happyness, The Ice Storm, and Winter's Bone.
- How long is Sleepwalking?
- Sleepwalking runs 101 minutes.
- Where can I watch Sleepwalking?
- In United States, Sleepwalking streams on Starz Apple TV channel.
