Horror is political and we love to see filmmakers who put thought into what they want their art to say. Which is why I love to see Edwin helming the latest horror movie aimed at inhumane working conditions in factory settings. Sleep No More is not what we might have expected from reading the premise. However, it is a journey that is undeniably fun while tackling some important issues. This helps set it apart from heavier titles like Nocebo, which is a Shudder film loosely inspired by real events.
Let’s Get To Work!
After a woman dies an awful death at a wig factory in Jakarta, her daughters take it upon themselves to investigate her untimely demise. Putri (Rachel Amanda) and Ida (Lutesha) find what is basically a prison owned by Mrs. Maryati (Didik Nini Thowok). The suspicious woman tells them that they have to work off their mother’s debt, which she incurred trying to pay for Ida’s schooling. As they work in the factory, they begin to notice some employees acting strangely, and they also find it difficult to ignore the growing body count.
In addition to trying to figure out what happened to their mother, the sisters also have to figure out how to deal with their brother. Bona (Iqbaal Ramadhan) is the youngest of the siblings and can heal from any injury. This results in his random body parts becoming another problem that Putri and Ida have to clean up.
Should You Clock in?
The script written by Edwin, Eka Kurniawan, and Daishi Matsunaga is a send up of many things. It weaves together the mystery, supernatural, social commentary, and humor in a way that’s hard to not have fun with. While the entity is wilder than they (and the audience) could ever imagine, this film doesn’t stop there. It’s simply one part of this hairy feast. Sleep No More is a horror comedy that celebrates practical effects and chaos. It’s like a spiritual cousin to the original Evil Dead in how over-the-top it is at times. I don’t know if it intentionally chased the B-movie vibes or if it fell into them, but it warmed my heart.
Not all of the humor hit for me, but I’m also dead inside. I also respected the cast’s commitment to the silly camp of it all. The practical effects are a sight to behold as you watch the hair monster grow into a bigger presence. Or watch Bona’s body parts turn up in ridiculous places. Even the credits are worth watching as the film continues milking some of the gags in a new medium.
Sleep No More is one of those movies that has a lot working for it; you respect it and enjoy the experience, but hesitate before saying it’s a great time. However, it is a good time and has big midnighter energy even if there are a couple of pacing problems and questions left over. It’s definitely far from the worst thing I have seen at Fantasia 2026, even if I am waffling on why I like it. Go in for the vibes and stay for the charm. Again, there is a lot to love, even if it’s not always the most cohesive experience. Chaos reigns here, and that’s not always a bad thing.
