In New Mexico, a single mother, Chama (Melissa Berrera), struggles with addiction. Her and her daughter’s lives hang in the balance as she tries to come to terms with the constant struggle, the excessive drug use, and the poor decisions that she makes over and over again. While All the World is Sleeping Chama must choose a path: continue traveling down a road of pain and suffering or fight for her daughter and herself.
There is a beautiful use of light throughout the course of All the World is Sleeping–and it helps to propel Chama’s story forward, often reflecting the mood or the state that she’s currently in. At her lowest, darkness reigns supreme, being the most prominent thing on the screen. Chama is consumed by this darkness in these moments, brilliantly captivating viewers, allowing them to understand the intensity of all that she’s dealing with. During flashbacks, where it appears that she’s drowning in the struggles of her past, the lights dim; they even help to blur the screen. All the World is Sleeping is a beautifully artistic venture that perfectly tells the story of a mother struggling to find her way.
I’ve never dealt with addiction, and I’ve been fortunate enough not to have those who are close to me struggle with it either. In all honesty, I can’t speak to whether or not All the World is Sleeping is an accurate depiction of what addiction looks like–but it feels honest. All the World is Sleeping doesn’t feel exaggerated, but reeled in, an accurate representation of what it’s like to deal with addiction (not just for the one suffering, but for every single person around them). Characters are written in a way that allows viewers to appreciate them rather than judge them. If Writer-Director Ryan Lacen goes the route of hyperbole, viewers more than likely look at the characters judgingly and struggle to connect with them (and the film as a whole) in any way. What could have gotten out of hand early is quickly reeled in and given structure–effectively giving it meaning.
Barrera’s performance is inspired, literally bringing me to tears. Her calming, sultry voice narrates a harrowing story–and it juxtaposes the things that viewers see on screen. She plays a pivotal role in ensuring that All the World is Sleeping doesn’t become too overwhelming, that it doesn’t exist in the make believe, and it appropriately intrigues viewers. That’s just when she’s off screen–her role on screen is just as incredible. She’s powerful, delivering passion and vigor every step of the way. She embodies emotion, and she keeps it right on the surface every step of the way. All the World is Sleeping thrives as a result of what Barrera brings to the table. She’s incredible in every single moment, and even with every other beautifully constructed piece of this puzzle, she’s the best and most important.
All the World is Sleeping has to be careful how it presents itself to viewers. Too aggressive and the masses are turned off to it and its messages, too reserved and it potentially loses its luster, failing to deliver honesty. Lacen finds a brilliant balance, creating something that I truly believe has the ability to appeal to everyone. With Barrera leading the way, an incredible use of light, and what I believe to be an accurate depiction of addiction, All the World is Sleeping is emotionally relevant and captivating from the opening seconds.
Written & Directed by Ryan Lacen.
Starring Melissa Barrera, Kristen Gutoskie, Lisandra Tena, Luis Bordonada, Jackie Cruz, Jorge Garcia, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10
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