Sleep Dealer is a science fiction drama film directed by Alex Rivera, released in 2008. The story is set in a future world where Mexico has built a massive wall to prevent illegal immigration, and the United States has shifted to virtual labor. The only way for people to perform physical labor is through robots called "Sleep Dealers." These robots are controlled by people who are wired up to a virtual reality network. This system is known as the "Nodes."
The movie follows three characters: Memo, Luz, and Rudy. Memo lives in a Mexican village, dreaming of a better life. After his father is killed by the military, Memo decides to go to Tijuana to find work. There he encounters Luz, a writer who is trying to uncover the truth about the Sleep Dealers. Rudy is a hacker who has found a way to connect to the Nodes without being physically connected.
The three characters' stories intersect, and they set out on a dangerous mission to expose the truth about the Sleep Dealers. Memo gets a job at the factory that produces the Sleep Dealers, while Luz and Rudy work to uncover the truth about the system. As they get closer to the truth, they find themselves in danger from the military and corporations who want to protect their interests.
The movie explores themes of technology, labor exploitation, globalization, and immigration. It showcases the potential risks and benefits of technology and the impact it can have on society. Sleep Dealer combines the elements of science fiction and social commentary to create a thought-provoking narrative. It was well-received by critics and won several awards at film festivals.