Netflix adds controversial Memento-like ‘suspense thriller’ ideal for Fool Me Once fans

Netflix have added a 2014 film starring Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman which fans of Fool Me Once might just enjoy. Before I Go To Sleep has heavy similarities to Memento and 50 First Dates, with its main character Christine Lucas, played by Kidman, suffering from amnesia. As soon as Christine falls asleep, she forgets everything from the past 20 years. Every day she re-remembers who she is, with the help of her partner Ben, played by Firth, who patiently explains her life every morning before going to work.

However, this is not a romantic film. It’s more of a domestic thriller, as things don’t quite turn out as they seem when a doctor call Dr Nasch, played by Mark Strong, helps jog Christine’s memory. (Warning: Spoliers ahead.). What ensues is what some critics have branded overly graphic depictions of domestic violence. Others have criticised the film for portraying domestic violence survivors as weak and damaged in some way, making the film controversial for these aspects.

Rotten Tomatoes also gives a sour outlook on the film with some calling it ‘repetative’ and full of ‘inconsistencies’ and a sub 40% rating. However, it’s rated more favourably on IMDb at 6.3/10, with The Guardian at the time calling it an ‘enjoyable shaggy dog story’ and the BBC dubbing it a ‘taut, twisty, old-fashioned little suspense thriller’. Written and directed by Rowan Joffe and based on the 2011 novel of the same name by SJ Watson, the film also stars Game of Thrones’ Ben Crompton, Industry’s Adam Levy, and Bad Sisters star Anne-Marie Duff.

‘I was drawn to play her because I liked the idea that she could be just very raw,’ Nicole told Vogue while talking about the film in 2014. ‘I wear very little make-up and I’m really distressed for a lot of the film. I liked having to be very authentic and real and still trying to piece things together, navigating through to the end and keeping a semblance of not hysteria but distress.’. Meanwhile, Bridget Jones star Colin spoke of his departure of romantic comedy leading man Mr Darcy for a more sinister turn as Ben in an interview with The Telegraph.

‘Any horror story plays on a fear that we all have,’ Colin explained, talking about the film’s plot. ‘And I think the thing here is to do with the demons in any marriage or close relationship: do I really know the person who’s been next to me all these years? What do I know? Am I really safe? Subliminal lingering doubts and questions that perhaps we all have, about who we trust.’. Before I Go To Sleep is available to stream on Netflix now.

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