Laura Hasn't Slept is a 2020 American short horror film written, directed, and co-produced by Parker Finn. The film stars Caitlin Stasey and Lew Temple. It would later serve as inspiration for Finn's feature-length horror film Smile (2022); a continuation in which Stasey briefly reprised her role.
Plot
While telling her therapist Dr. Parsons about a recurring nightmare in which a sinister man constantly smiles at her, Laura Weaver discovers that she is still experiencing the nightmare when Dr. Parsons morphs into a grotesque creature that wants to force Laura to look at it. Refusing to look, Laura runs out of the room. She returns a few moments later, believing the monster has gone; however, it suddenly appears in front of her, causing her to go insane and scream while ripping off her own face.
Cast
Caitlin Stasey as Laura Weaver
Lew Temple as Dr. Parsons
Release
The film was screened at the SXSW Film Festival. Following the success of Smile, it was released on YouTube in November 2022.
Reception
Nightmarish Conjurings does "not recommend the film if you're having problems sleeping". Morbidly Beautiful scored it 4.5 out of 5. IMDb scored it 6.7/10, based on 756 votes.