Sleepwalkers (1992)

Although slated by many, I found Stephen King’s Sleepwalkers to be quite entertaining. The film begins with a definition of “Sleepwalkers”. They are described as follows:

"Sleep'walk'er n. Nomadic shapeshifting creatures with human and feline origins. Vulnerable to the deadly scratch of the cat, the sleepwalker feeds upon the lifeforce of virginal human females. Probable source of the vampire legend." - Chillicoathe Encyclopedia of Arcane Knowledge, 1st edition, 1884”.

The story revolves around Sleepwalkers Charles Brady (Brian Krause) and his mother Mary (Alice Krige). They have recently moved from California to Indiana. They need to relocate often as they tend to be found out for what they really are. Mother and son are extremely close, much, much more than they should be! Charles is a very charismatic character, and soon attracts the attention of classmate Tanya Robertson (Mädchen Amick). The Sleepwalkers have a plan. Charles needs to seduce Tanya, and feed off her, in order to then feed his mother, who is in her words “famished”.

However, their plan begins to unravel very early on, as one of Charles’ schoolteachers has checked his background, and their cover is blown. They are also plagued with an army of cats (who seem to sense what they are), and they keep coming, despite the many deadly traps surrounding the house. When Tanya manages to fight back against Charles, their very existence is threatened, and the pair become desperate to survive with horrific consequences…

This movie can be quite gruesome in places, and although not Stephen King’s best work, still has the ability to shock. It boasts an impressive cast list, with the two lead actors going on to more high profile work following this film. Brian Krause later became well known as “Leo” in the series "Charmed”, whilst Alice Krige has probably become best known for her performance as the “Borg Queen” in “Star Trek: First Contact” and “Star Trek: Voyager" ”.

Whilst not exactly a “must see movie”, this is certainly an engaging hour and a half for any discerning horror movie fan, and worth a watch.