Singing in My Sleep

... writer/Director Nick Wilson's film about a charismatic young girl with "daddy issues" is that it is completely unpretentious for a low-budget indie. That is, many films of this kind try to be what they are not, and in the process inflict self-harm. Singing In My Sleep never once makes this error, and is all the better for it. The best thing that can be said about the performance of Jessica Belkin is that occasionally -- but not always -- it brings to mind the early work of Angelina Jolie -- when she starred in films that inevitably seemed less compelling than she was. The irony being that Belkin, to move her career forward, is competing not with strangers, but with herself. It will be tricky to overcome her TikTok persona as a hot bikini model, but with time and effort she might just pull it off. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))

Jessica Belkin is very attractive, she is a wonderful singer, and she shows early promise as an actress. Here she is the featured character Charlotte, a singer and songwriter not far from her real self. It has been said each of us has a custom-made role, it is playing ourselves.

However Ms. Belkin has devolved into a nasty habit that makes her pretty much unwatchable. She has a beautiful NORMAL speaking voice but more and more she devolves into a very annoying "vocal fry" in her voice. Especially as she is ending a phrase. I found it to be so annoying and distracting as to prevent me from listening to what she is saying, instead I can only listen to how she is saying it.

I did a search and pulled up older interviews she has done, again she has a beautiful NORMAL speaking voice, she is able to eliminate the vocal fry but for some strange reason insists on putting it in. Maybe she thinks that makes her more appealing? It does just the opposite. She is young enough to correct it, I am hoping someone close to her will point it out.

The other main character plays her mother, Malin Akerman as Mary She has been one of my favorites over the years and her role here is no exception.

This film was so likable because the characters were believable. Anytime actors can bring to life a story that makes the audience feel like they resonate with the characters or know someone just like the characters, you know you are watching artists that put their souls on the screen for all to see. I especially loved Malen Akerman and Jacob Bond's performances. As a parent, watching Malen Akerman struggle with her flaws while also deeply loving and wanting the best for her daughter, I danced in the kitchen with her and felt her joy. And Jacob Bond was such a breath of fresh air in the character of a friend who always wanted more but respected boundaries. Watch this film.

The acting in the film, especially Jacob Bond as the sweet love interest, were so natural that I was able to settle into the film to enjoy it. We don't often get young, male characters who give us kindness as male friends. I really appreciated the storyline of a young man who loves the female lead but doesn't take advantage of her vulnerability. And the actor was able to deliver a character both compelling and beautiful. I'll be watching for his next film. The lead has a pretty voice that carried the songs. Malen Ackerman is also incredible as the flawed but devoted mother. I'll be buying this one to watch over and over.