Michael DiBiasio-Ornelas writes and directs “The Sleepless,” a complicated and unlikely love story about two people who suffer from insomnia. Nyambi Nyambi plays Zach who meets Sophia played by Rebecca De Ornelas at a corner bodega in a quiet neighborhood in New York City. The two, regulars here, begin a conversation about their issues of sleep which turns into an all-night and morning intellectually stimulating affair. Covering miles and miles of territory, literally and figuratively, the two bare their souls to one another, revealing their other issues in life and the baggage they constantly carry with them. It’s an engrossing–if not puzzling at times–exchange of ideas that lends itself to more of a statement on today’s social mores and an individual’s existential crisis.
Given the heaviness of the conversations, we learn more about these two people and they of one another than most do in a five-year relationship. Oftentimes, there’s a sense that we have been privy to seeing the ups and downs of a marriage but it’s only been a matter of theatrical hours that the two have known one another. Scintillating exchanges requiring rapt attention peels away the complex layers of both Sofia and Zach whose honesty pushes one another to look into the mirror and truly see themselves for who they are.
“Sleepless” is an odd love story, but DiBiasio-Ornelas hooks you, particularly because these polar opposite characters couldn’t possibly find a way to make it past the morning light together. Zach’s calm demeanor and emotional flexibility is countered by Sofia’s frequent and unsubstantiated outbursts or shutdowns which would have more likely sent Zach running for the hills. The plausibility element of the equation is certainly put into question as Sofia plays an emotional game of tug of war, perhaps unwittingly, but certainly apparent to the audience.
The success of this film falls on the shoulders of Nyambi and De Ornelas and while they have a Shakespearean load of dialogue, the two lack chemistry. Their artful language produced as they evocatively open themselves to one another is a feat in and of itself, unfortunately, it just isn’t consistently credible.
“Sleepless,” filmed primarily in black and white, beautifully captures the essence of nighttime–the stillness, the quiet, the emptiness–all attributes our main characters seem to be lacking, contributing to their inability to sleep. Step by step, DiBiasio-Ornelas’ camera work creates an environment in which we are walking with Zach and Sofia.
While there are some jarring jump cuts and sound issues experienced, the overall outcome is effective. “Sleepless” is essentially a two-person production, but there are a few seemingly random and perhaps unnecessary characters who enter Zach and Sofia’s journey this fateful night. The nosey bodega owner is key for the story’s “meet cute,” but the Russian accordion-playing musician who’s efforts in acting fall short and the flirtatious barista just create a pacing issue, slowing down the rhythm of conversation and taking us out of the moment.
“Sleepless” is a unique love story delving deeply into two characters’ lives. While DiBiasio-Ornelas’s keen eye and creative writing is engaging and both Nyambi and De Ornelas competently create their personas in front the of camera, there is an unrefined element in the final production. It’s obvious that DiBiasio-Ornelas has a bright future ahead, and while “Sleepless” doesn’t quite hit all the right notes, it’s a solid second feature film.
2 1/2 Stars