Before I Wake: An Emotional Ghost Story

Writer-director Mike Flanagan has been making a name for himself as a purveyor of well-crafted horror tales in the last few years, with strong projects like the recent big-screen version of Stephen King's novel Doctor Sleep, as well as the successful Netflix series The Haunting of Hill House. Other projects helmed by this talented filmmaker include Oculus, Ouija: Origin of Evil and another King adaptation, Gerald's Game. One of his best films is 2016's Before I Wake. This compelling drama, laced with elements of horror and fantasy, tells the story of Mark and Jessie Hobson, a couple who are dealing with the loss of their son Sean in a drowning accident. They decide to become foster parents to Cody, a young boy whose been through a succession of foster homes. Soon after the boy moves in with Mark and Jessie, it becomes apparent that Cody has a supernatural gift that makes his dreams become reality. Strange and wonderful things happen when Cody falls asleep.

Kate Bosworth & Thomas Jane

Cody's power is initially seen as something positive, as he manifests lovely images of butterflies, and a ghostly version of Sean, which disappear when Cody wakes up. Jessie, in particular, is fascinated by these dream images. She becomes obsessed with using Cody's power to reunite with Sean, and assuage her grief. But there's also a nightmarish figure that Cody calls "The Canker Man" who haunts his dreams. This causes Cody to use energy drinks and other means to keep himself awake. Mark tries to convince Jessie that using Cody's power to see their late son is wrong, and that they should focus on helping Cody. Meanwhile, it appears The Canker Man is getting stronger, as the terrifying figure makes a child who's been bullying Cody at school disappear.

When Mark disappears while trying to help Cody during one of his nightmares, Jessie starts looking into Cody's past, and finds that mysterious events have occurred at his previous foster homes. Can Jessie help Cody overcome his fears and conquer his demons? Who is the terrifying Canker Man, and what is his connection to Cody? The answers to those questions are powerful and moving, and the story reaches a satisfying conclusion, grounded in a new beginning for Cody. The acting is strong, featuring excellent performances by Kate Bosworth as Jessie, Thomas Jane as Mark, and Jacob Tremblay, who's terrific as Cody. Annabeth Gish is quite good as a social worker who's assigned to Cody's case. Dash Mihok and Jay Karnes are also solid in supporting roles. The film features some beautiful images, as well as some scary and unsettling ones, courtesy of the vivid work of cinematographer Michael Fimognari.

Before I Wake is a well-written (by director Flanagan & Mike Howard) film about dealing with the ghosts of your past. The movie has a deeply emotional core, and anyone who has suffered a loss can empathize with the feelings that Mark, Jessie and Cody are dealing with in the story. While this is a supernatural horror film, it's also a thoughtful examination of grief, loss, love and redemption. I think it's one of Mike Flanagan's best films. He's truly establishing himself as one of our best contemporary horror filmmakers, and it's easy to see why Stephen King sings his praises. Both men share a talent for telling stories featuring strong, relatable characters whose inner strength is tested when they're faced with otherworldly occurrences. Before I Wake is available for streaming on Netflix. Here's a link to the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ho2Z0LtXsbY.