Laura Hasn't Slept


Laura Hasn't Slept is a 2020 American supernatural psychological horror short film written, co-produced, and directed by Parker Finn. The film stars Caitlin Stasey and Lew Temple.
Laura Hasn't Slept acts as the first film and prequel in Finn's feature-length horror series Smile, in which Stasey briefly reprised her role. It was subsequently followed by a franchise of the same name.

Plot

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

Release

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

Reception

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