“Laura Hasn’t Slept” is a 2020 horror short film directed by Parker Finn. It stars Caitlin Stasey as Laura and Lew Temple as Dr. Parsons. The film is a prequel to Parker Finn’s feature film “Smile,” expanding on its unsettling narrative and chilling atmosphere.
The story centers around Laura (Caitlin Stasey), a young woman plagued by terrifying and recurrent nightmares. These nightmares are so vivid and horrifying that they prevent her from sleeping, leaving her increasingly desperate and on the brink of losing her sanity. The film opens with Laura recounting her latest nightmare to Dr. Parsons (Lew Temple), a psychiatrist specializing in dream therapy.
Laura’s nightmares involve a sinister figure that relentlessly pursues her, causing her immense fear and distress. As she describes these dreams to Dr. Parsons, the audience is taken into her nightmarish visions through a series of eerie and surreal scenes. The film masterfully blurs the lines between reality and the dream world, creating a sense of disorientation and dread.
The tension in the film builds as Laura’s grip on reality weakens. Her descriptions of the malevolent entity haunting her dreams become more detailed and terrifying. Initially calm and analytical, Dr. Parsons begins to show signs of concern as he realizes the severity of Laura’s condition and the potential danger she faces.
The short ends on a chilling note, with Laura’s fate uncertain and the haunting presence of her nightmares lingering.
“Laura Hasn’t Slept” is a tightly crafted horror short that effectively uses its brief runtime to deliver a powerful and unnerving story. Caitlin Stasey’s performance as Laura is compelling, capturing the character’s fear and desperation with intense realism. Lew Temple’s portrayal of Dr. Parsons provides a grounded counterpoint to Laura’s escalating hysteria, adding depth to the film’s psychological horror.
The Other Cinema 