Laura Hasn't Slept is a 2020 American short psychological supernatural horror film written, co-produced, and directed by Parker Finn. The film stars Caitlin Stasey and Lew Temple.

Laura Hasn't Slept
Directed byParker Finn
Written byParker Finn
Produced by
  • Jessica Bonander
  • Tristan Borys
  • Sean Dacanay
  • Jonathan Fass
  • Parker Finn
Starring
CinematographyDan Clarke
Edited byTristan Borys
Music byRob Himebaugh
Distributed byParamount Home Entertainment
Release date
  • March 25, 2020 (2020-03-25) (SXSW)
Running time
11 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Laura Hasn’t Slept acts as the prequel to Finn's feature-length horror film Smile (2022), in which Stasey briefly reprised her role.[1] It was subsequently followed by a franchise of the same name.

Plot

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Laura Weaver sees her therapist Dr. Parsons and tells him about a recurring nightmare in which a sinister figure constantly smiles at her while taking the appearance of different people, resulting in her developing a fear of sleeping.

Soon, Laura discovers that she is still experiencing the nightmares and is currently in one when Parsons' office begins to decay and he morphs into a grotesque creature that wants to force Laura to look at its "true face". Refusing to look, Laura runs out of the office but returns a few moments later when she believes that the monster has gone; however, it appears in front of her, causing her to go insane and scream while ripping off her own face.

Cast

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Release

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The film was screened at the SXSW Film Festival.[2] Following the success of Smile, it was released on YouTube in November 2022.[3]

Reception

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Nightmarish Conjurings does "not recommend the film if you're having problems sleeping".[2] Morbidly Beautiful scored it 4.5 out of 5.[4]

References

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  1. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (June 9, 2020). "Paramount, Temple Hill Set Feature Version Of Horror Short 'Laura Hasn't Slept'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  2. ^ a b Musnicky, Sarah (April 7, 2020). "[SXSW Review] LAURA HASN'T SLEPT". Nightmarish Conjurings. Retrieved April 7, 2020.
  3. ^ Squires, John (November 30, 2022). "'Laura Hasn't Slept' – Watch the Original Short Film That Became This Year's 'Smile' [Video]". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved November 30, 2022.
  4. ^ "SXSW Shorts: Laura Hasn't Slept". Morbidly Beautiful. June 10, 2020. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
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