Before I Wake (soundtrack)


Before I Wake is the film score to the 2016 film Before I Wake directed by Mike Flanagan. The original themes were provided by Danny Elfman, who also composed additional music, while the score was composed by the Newton Brothers. It was released under the Varèse Sarabande label on January 26, 2018.

Background

Danny Elfman composed the themes for the film, while also providing additional music for few of the cues. The original score was composed by the Newton Brothers, who developed on the themes curated by Elfman. They worked on the film for around three years since 2014. The duo noted that working with Elfman was a fun-filled experience, with Elfman having a collection of instruments that gave them inspiration for providing numerous ideas.

Release

The soundtrack was released through Varèse Sarabande on January 26, 2018, three weeks after the film's Netflix release. Additionally, the album was pressed into a limited-edition of 1000 copies through physical release.

Reception

Filmtracks wrote "Elfman in top dramatic form and The Newton Brothers showing glimpses of hope amongst their nightmare of stock horror techniques." Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com called it as a "great score". Courtney Howard of Fresh Fiction described it an "enticing, complementary score from the Newton Brothers and Danny Elfman" Sharai Bohannon of Dread Central noted that Elfman's and the duo's score breathes life into this film. Noel Murray of The Verge wrote "the score by Danny Elfman and the Newton Brothers effectively manipulates the audience, enhancing the magical qualities of Cody's gifts before driving home the sting." The New Indian Express called it an "understated score".

Personnel

Credits adapted from liner notes: