Parasomnia

New Showbiz Analysis

Parasomnia opens with the intimate, claustrophobic tension of a sleep disorder, framing Riley’s insomnia not just as a medical issue but as a gateway to supernatural horror. The film’s argument is that personal trauma, particularly around identity and family, can manifest as external threats. Riley, a Black woman adopted by white parents, is the moral and narrative center, her competence and agency driving the plot forward. The camera loves her resilience, positioning her as the one who must confront the "demon" of her past. However, the film’s internal logic pulls apart when it reduces complex psychological and cultural issues to a standard horror formula. The adoption backstory is mentioned but not deeply explored, serving more as a character detail than a thematic pillar. The ending, where Riley confronts the supernatural threat, reinforces her agency but does not challenge the broader systems that shaped her trauma. The film is a competent horror entry that centers a Black female protagonist but ultimately relies on traditional narrative structures to resolve its conflicts.