Dove Reviewed

In My Sleep

Marcus races to uncover the truth after he discovers he may have murdered a good friend while sleepwalking.

13
Negative Rating
12345
SexLanguageViolenceDrugsNudityOther
3
Positive Rating
12345
FaithIntegrity

Dove Review

This adult-oriented suspense movie features a theme which some people might relate to – sleepwalking. The main character, Marcus (Philip Winchester), has long-battled sleepwalking but recently there has been evidence of violence, with him finding a bloody knife in his apartment. He also sees blood on the floor. Marcus is soon concerned that he is the one who has committed these brutal crimes, but without his recollections he can’t be sure.

The movie is one of extremes, featuring passionate kissing, dancing, and a drawing of a woman refusing to let a man touch her leg. Marcus receives a call and he can’t recognize the voice of the woman calling, who asks him, “Does sleeping with so many women satisfy your appetite?” Marcus responds with, “Hey, I’m just having a good time.” “What are you running from, Marcus?” she questions. “Who is this?” he asks. She bets he’s hooking up right now and she replies, “Some pretty girl you won’t remember tomorrow. This will kill you!”

Marcus tells his best friend Justin (Tim Draxl) that he’s going to a group therapy meeting for sex addicts. Justin and his wife Ann (Kelly Overton) have been friends with Marcus for a long while. In fact, one scene in the movie features a wedding photo of Justin, Ann, and Marcus. However, when Ann and Marcus spend an adulterous night together, nothing will ever be the same, especially when Ann winds up murdered and Marcus wakes up to a bloody knife in his apartment. Did Marcus do it? Was it someone else?

The plot continues to focus on Marcus and what his doctor says about him: he’s a parasomniac – a sleepwalker who sometimes moves a lot and exhibits strange behavior. In his case, it’s behavior that Marcus can’t recall. Marcus is seen at times walking outside at night in nothing but his underwear. He takes prescription medicine for the sleepwalking and he even cuffs himself to his bed at night. Marcus is angry sometimes and when someone mentions God’s forgiveness, he brashly says that God is the one who needs forgiveness.

At a surprise birthday party for Marcus, he is given a long knife as a gift. Yet is he guilty of the crimes portrayed in the film? As the story continues, the audience learns that Marcus has a bad memory regarding his father, and the question will inevitably enter the minds of the viewers: Did this trigger Marcus’ sleepwalking issues, along with his possible violent tendencies? The movie features memorable images including Marcus standing in a bathtub with blood falling to the bottom of the tub. A woman named Becky (Lacey Chabert) becomes interested in Marcus, and the danger of that relationship is part of the plot.

When Justin learns of Ann’s death, the audience no doubt wonders: Does he suspect Marcus? If Marcus didn’t commit this murder, who did? The all-important question, which is answered by the conclusion of the movie, is – what is the truth?

Content Analysis: There really is not a Christian worldview in this film, just the appeal for justice for Ann. But a woman does sing, “Amazing Grace.” In fact, the movie has a lot of strong content including violence, bloody knives, blood left in various spots, drinking, sex, and the mention of sex.

Think About It: Parents will not want their children viewing this film, so any discussion questions would be for fellow adult viewers on the consequences of adultery and sex addiction, as well as the consequences of violence.

The Dove Take: This film is listed as Dove Reviewed, meaning adults need to check out the content listing to make informed decisions about whether or not to watch – though a suspenseful mystery, a lot of violence is featured.

Dove Rating Details

1
Faith

It’s mentioned God forgives but a bitter man replies that God needs forgiveness; a woman sings “Amazing Grace”; a man is invited to church.

2
Integrity

There is a detective who wants justice done for a victim; a main character wants to know the truth: did he murder various characters?

3
Sex

It shows a man being passionate with a few women, passionate kissing, and he commits adultery with his best friend’s wife; the man attends a group therapy session for sex-addicts; some comments about sex.

0
Language

None

4
Violence

A lot of violence, including a man slapping a woman; bloody knives and blood on the floor from stabbings; blood flowing in a shower; a fistfight, etc.

2
Drugs

Several drinking scenes; a man takes prescription medicine.

2
Nudity

Cleavage in a few scenes; a shirtless man walks around in just his underwear; a man’s back and legs are seen as he showers; a woman’s nude back is seen.

2
Other

Tension between characters; the idea of doing terrible things while sleepwalking.

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