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State Like Sleep

State Like Sleep

Discover what lies beneath the truth.

2018104 minMidcredits score: 9th percentile of all films
Director
Meredith Danluck
Starring
Katherine Waterston, Michael Shannon, Luke Evans, Michiel Huisman

Following the death of her husband, Katherine travels to Brussels, where a few loose ends become a whole web of secrets as she untangles her late spouse’s mysterious last days alive.

Where to watch

Where can I watch State Like Sleep?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists State Like Sleep streaming on Pluto TV (free), The Roku Channel (free) and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about State Like Sleep?

State Like Sleep earns 1 badge: Nonlinear.

Reception

Is State Like Sleep worth watching?

State Like Sleep's Midcredits score is the 9th percentile of all films, from 2K ratings across 5 sources. 17% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

9th percentile

Better received than 9% of films

10th percentile among Adventure10th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)16th
Approval (how many liked it)5th

49 /100

16th percentile of all films

17th percentile among Adventure18th percentile among 2010s

Critics 48 · Audience 49

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

The crowd leans negative, with most ratings sitting in the bottom half of the scale.

Approval

How many liked it

17% liked it

5th percentile of all films

6th percentile among Adventure5th percentile among 2010s
17% rated it 7–1083% rated it 1–6

Critics 38% · Audience 15%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Reach

How many have seen it

61st percentile

2K ratings across platforms

51st percentile among Adventure64th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 18% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$2.8K
Domestic gross$4.3K
Worldwide gross$4.3K

4th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a slow-burn mystery about grief with a strong performance by Katherine Waterston and stylish cinematography, but its disjointed plot and unsatisfying resolution divide audiences.

Fans praised

  • moving portrayal of grief with emotional depth
  • strong lead performance from Katherine Waterston
  • visually striking with sumptuous cinematography and atmosphere

Detractors panned

  • extremely slow and boring pacing
  • unlikable characters and dull dialogue
  • confusing disjointed narrative with pointless flashbacks

What stands out

Cinematography80

visually striking with sumptuous cinematography

ActingDivisive70

Katherine Waterston praised as captivating; Michael Shannon decent but underused; some call performances dull

AtmosphereDivisive65

moody dreaminess captures grief but suffocates

CharactersDivisive35

unlikable and underdeveloped characters

Plot and storyDivisive30

boring, predictable, and disjointed mystery

Dialogue30

pointless and dull conversation

Ending25

unsatisfying resolution

PacingDivisive20

extremely slow and boring, even towards end

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • US vs non-US 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is State Like Sleep like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

No single mood: browse every movie of this kindNo one kind of watch fits it, so it is described by how heavy it is.

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something dark.

It takes its time and leaves you haunted. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings, patience and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Moods
MelancholicContemplativeDread
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.
Told as
Nonlinear · 6% of films: Events shown out of chronological order.Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its heavy subject matter of grief and suicide with earnest seriousness, playing the drama straight without irony.
The rideThe film sustains a melancholic and contemplative mood as the protagonist confronts grief, with underlying dread from the mystery, maintaining a steady emotional weight.
StructureThe story alternates between the present-day investigation and flashbacks to the days before her husband's death, signaled by her hair length.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Haunted.

Haunting · 14% of filmsWistful · 8% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film lingers on the unresolved grief and unanswered questions about a loved one's final days, leaving a somber, reflective mood.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Mystery
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7% (this title): Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% (this title) · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Mystery: A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered. · Investigation: A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).

7% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeA grieving widow investigates the circumstances of her husband's death, piecing together his final days through flashbacks and interviews.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfGriefSurvival
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% (this title) · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9% (this title)
  • Survival 15% (this title): Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% (this title) · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Survival

Grief · 6% of filmsDeception · 9% of filmsMemory · 3% of films
Mourns its theme: Grieves its theme, or what has been lost of it.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on a woman confronting her husband's death and the secrets he kept, forcing her to reckon with loss and hidden truths.
StanceThe film mourns the loss of a partner and the unraveling of trust, focusing on one woman's intimate journey through grief and secrets.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticRealistic
AmbientOrchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Jeff McIlwain, David Wingo
SettingBrussels, Belgium, a year after a husband's death
MusicThe score by Jeff McIlwain and David Wingo likely supports the dreamy, melancholic tone.

Content guide

Is State Like Sleep okay for kids?

As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at minimal (8/100), sexual content at mild (33/100), language at mild (33/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (67/100) and frightening material at mild (25/100). Its violence, language, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 1 other country
  • JapanR18+
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavier than 41% of all films
Profanity
Mild
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Mild
too few votes to rank (4 votes)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Too few votes to rank this title overall (30 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does State Like Sleep have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in State Like Sleep?

Cast

2 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Katherine Waterston
as Katherine
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Michael Shannon
as Edward
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Luke Evans
as Emile
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Michiel Huisman
as Stefan
Mary Kay Place
as Elaine
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Carlo Rota
as Dr. Iyengar
Bo Martynowska
as Frieda
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
Salvatore Antonio
as Colin Waldorf
Julie Khaner
as Anneke
Rachel Wilson
as Jen

Crew

More like this

What are movies like State Like Sleep?

Movies like State Like Sleep include The Good German (2006), Passing (2021) and Dream House (2011). Of the 9 closest matches, most are films about memory, and several are films set in high society.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

7 of these 9 share its subject: grief. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with State Like Sleep?

678 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: slow cinema. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.