Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critics What's this?

User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 76 Ratings

  • Starring: Charlotte Gainsbourg, Gael GarcĂ­a Bernal, Miou-Miou
  • Summary: The Science of Sleep is a playful romantic fantasy set inside the topsy-turvy brain of Stephane Miroux (Bernal) an eccentric young man whose dreams constantly invade his waking life. (Warner Independent Pictures)
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 33
  2. Negative: 1 out of 33
  1. 91
    An indie version of Gondry's "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," albeit with none of the star power, a quarter of the budget, half the angst, and twice the charm.
  2. Reviewed by: Sally Foster
    80
    The Science of Sleep truly has to be seen to be believed.
  3. 50
    Certainly pleasant, and occasionally endearing, but it's also strangely empty and unsatisfying, like hearing about someone else's wild dream: You can appreciate the details, but you don't really care how it turns out.
  4. 25
    You have to identify pretty strongly with suffering artistes to find anything to root for in The Science of Sleep.

See all 33 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 41
  2. Negative: 5 out of 41
  1. MattC
    10
    Well, i do Strongly the believe the movie, alone, is a good and interesting movie. But to personally mention, I think the response depends on the situation you, the viewer, are in. For example, if you have feelings for someone and have interest in him/her, the movie probably will suck you into it's imaginative world. The film depicts the sadness but warmth feeling of 2 people's elevating yet confusing love for each other.It's a peaceful film. Full of imagination and creativity. It's its own little world. Although a good movie as it is, it may sadden you in specific parts. But that's what makes a good movie. Overall, To understand & enjoy the movie, you will have to be in subtle peace and relaxation and must just let the film convince you hat is happening is real. Expand
  2. JohnB.
    8
    This is a fantastic movie packed with quiet and subtle points as well as loud and obvious visual confusion. There is definitely plenty here to grab onto and think about. It is just a matter of sifting through the relentless changes in scenes from the mind of Stephanie, his dream world, and his reality. This mess made me feel like I missed something along the way, but perhaps and more likely, the movie was too deep to fully grasp, which isn't exactly a bad thing. Expand
  3. Andy
    7
    I'd give this a 6.5. It was entertaining at most times but boring occasionally as well. Outstanding visually but the film does seem a bit pretentious. Expand
  4. SusieK.
    4
    On the plus side: the imagery is very cool and there are a lot of funny bits. On the bad side: it is about 15 minutes too long and by the end of the film I really didn't like the main character. I found him to be so needy and self-absorbed that I couldn't see how any of the other characters could give a hoot about him. Expand

See all 41 User Reviews