The Curse of Sleeping Beauty is a fascinating film that surprised me with its dark contemporary version of the classic Grimm Brothers fairy tale Little Briar Rose. Eerie background music, a believable cast, and creepy atmosphere helped me suspend disbelief throughout this intense movie. And so, dear reader, I absolutely must rhyme about it.       

TO SLEEP, PERCHANCE TO DREAM

What is this dream? – We have to ask.

Is it a curse? What does it mask?

Worried Tom wants to find the facts.

Will he learn how to stop attacks?

Tom searches through a haunted manse

for answers and to have a chance

to free Briar Rose from sleep’s domain.

Will what he finds drive him insane?

This mystery film oozes suspense,

plus some weird sights that make no sense.

We cheer Tom on in spite of this.

We HAVE to see that Briar Rose kiss!

Playing Tom, Ethan Peck (In Time) delivers a splendid performance as a loner with a big problem that gets worse when he inherits a mysterious property -- and learns about his family curse -- from an uncle he’s never met. This young actor projects a wonderful screen presence. We can almost tell how he feels and what he’s thinking just by looking at his expressive face. His character faces many challenges while dealing with demons and trying to free Briar Rose from her unusual captivity.

India Eisley (TV’s Secret Life of an American Teenager) is Briar Rose, the Sleeping Beauty. She’s not on camera much, but her special beauty shines through. Eisley definitely adds an exotic touch to the story. Other key cast members also deserve praise. Bruce Davison (X-Men) makes a wonderful ghostbuster, and Natalie Hall (The Summer of 8) excels as another interested party helping with this dangerous supernatural investigation.          

Much of the film takes place in a rundown old mansion. And, of course, the house contains a secret basement area where strange things come to life. Kudos to the special/visual effects folks for some tricky stuff here.

The ending of this movie may seem a bit confusing, but it’s a real jaw-dropper. Don’t even try to guess what happens. Although it might not be satisfying, the conclusion actually makes a bizarre sort of sense.

(Released by XLbrator Media; not rated by MPAA.)

For more information about The Curse of Sleeping Beauty, go to the IMDb or Rotten Tomatoes website.