Comedy
United States of America
Sleepwalk with Me is a 2012 independent film directed by Mike Birbiglia, based on his autobiographical one-man show of the same name. The film follows the life of Matt Pandamiglio (played by Birbiglia), a struggling stand-up comedian who dreams of making it big in the comedy world.
Matt's life is far from perfect. His career is going nowhere. He's stuck performing at small clubs and bars, struggling to make ends meet. His girlfriend Abby (played by Lauren Ambrose) is eager to take their relationship to the next level, but he's not ready for the commitment. On top of all this, Matt is plagued with severe sleepwalking episodes that are becoming increasingly dangerous.
As Matt's career stalls and his relationship with Abby grows increasingly strained, his sleepwalking becomes more severe. He has vivid and bizarre dreams that cause him to act out dangerous scenarios, which both frighten and confuse him. Matt tries to ignore the problem, but it's clear that something needs to be done before he harms himself or others.
Finally, Matt seeks medical help and discovers that his sleepwalking is caused by a rare disorder known as REM behavior disorder. With the help of medication, Matt is finally able to get a good night's sleep. As he begins to resolve his personal and professional issues, Matt is able to achieve the success he's always dreamed of, but in the end, he realizes that success isn't everything.
Sleepwalk with Me is a poignant and often hilarious look at the struggles of a young comedian trying to find his way in the world, all while battling a serious sleep disorder. The film is a powerful reminder of the importance of pursuing your dreams, but also recognizing when it's time to seek help and take care of yourself.
