In 'Sleepeater,' Two Women Dismiss the Caregiver Role — and Assume Ownership of Dad's House Instead.

      Director Amrita Acharia of "Sleepeater" highlights that women are frequently positioned in caregiver roles, often against their will — tasked with caring for not only children but also partners and elderly parents.

      The protagonists of "Sleepeater," Ahri and Matilda (portrayed by Jordan Alexandra and Amelia Clay), are not interested in looking after Ahri’s aging father (Emilio Doorgasingh). When he shows even minor signs of decline, they commit him to a facility and take over his modern home, the place they have been renovating together, and dedicate themselves to raising their new child there.

      However, guilt sets in, along with a plethora of slugs. Their seemingly perfect life is interrupted by a sleeplessness they never anticipated.

      The film is scheduled to screen today at the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival as part of LGBTQ Day. We spoke with Acharia and her co-writer, Max Krupski, about themes of sleep, the concept of character likability, and finding an alternative for slugs.

      Amrita Acharia and Max Krupski Discuss Creating ‘Sleepeater’

      MovieMaker: I really like the title and did some research — I learned that sleep eating is a sleep disorder akin to sleepwalking, where individuals eat while asleep, often without any recollection of it. However, this isn't the primary focus of the film — at least not directly. Can you explain how you came up with the title?

      Amrita Acharia: Both Max and I have dealt with insomnia and its impact on both physical and mental health. The title emerged before the complete storyline was finalized, inspired by Max's idea of two women caught in a perpetual state of sleeplessness. The narrative explores the guilt that gnaws at the women, alongside an escalating paranoia that intensifies as the film progresses.

      Max Krupski: Certainly! Amrita and I have compiled numerous isolated moments or visuals that sometimes evolve into expanded stories. With "Sleepeater," we continually returned to the theme of guilt. Our characters’ insomnia profoundly affects their mental state and relationship. Hence, the title serves both a literal and metaphorical purpose.

      MovieMaker: Amrita, this is your second short film that explores the dynamics of individuals dealing with aging parents. In your first short, "Carer," a daughter feels overwhelmed by caring for her mother. In "Sleepeater," the daughter and her partner outright refuse that responsibility. Can you elaborate on what draws you to this theme?

      Amrita Acharia: Society commonly assigns women caregiving responsibilities, often without consideration of their own circumstances. Making "the best" choice can lead to judgment, guilt, and a sense of betrayal. In "Sleepeater," the decision triggers sleeplessness — whether perceived as a curse, guilt, or something else entirely. Ultimately, it’s not just about this specific topic; it’s about portraying women in “unpalatable” situations that may discomfort the viewer.

      MovieMaker: Traditionally, we've been conditioned to sympathize with leads like yours who are a loving couple and new mothers. However, right from the start, they engage in what appears to be a harsh action by sending the elderly father away and claiming the house they were building together, even though he doesn’t initially seem to require professional assistance. As the women's situation worsens, while we empathize with their plight, we still think about the man they’ve sent away. How did you strike a balance between their sympathetic and unsympathetic traits, and how does this contribute to the story?

      Amrita Acharia: Max and I strive to highlight the most authentic and human dimensions of our characters, consciously choosing to unveil their darker and less traditionally “acceptable” aspects, particularly in women. Instead of focusing on their likability or whether audiences will empathize with them, we aim to portray their actions and behaviors as both relatable and dubious.

      I believe viewers can connect with the characters and find resonance in the story without necessarily needing to root for them. Any balance in how they are perceived stems from the audience's personal connection to the characters and their circumstances — achieving this balance involves grounding them in reality, undeterred by potential unlikability.

      Max Krupski: Humans sometimes make mistakes, which is part of our nature. What matters is how you respond after the misstep. We often mentioned that if the couple could reach a moment of clarity and communicate openly, they could find resolution. However, the guilt manifests as sleeplessness, isolating them and ultimately sealing their fate.

      MovieMaker: Amrita, you have a flourishing acting career in addition to your directorial pursuits, yet you haven’t acted in your own projects thus far. What motivates you to keep these roles separate?

      Amrita Acharia: I believe it's important to never say never, but at this stage of my directing journey, I prefer to focus wholly on one role and invest all my energy into that, ensuring I