6.2
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Sleeping Sickness
2011·Movie
Sleeping Sickness fingerprint
Immersive world, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension6
- Violence4
- Scare3
Heart
Profoundly sad and moving
- Melancholy9
- Pathos8
- Catharsis6
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor4
- Satire & Parody3
- Wit & Wordplay2
World
Everyday modern life, the mind, and mystery
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout performances and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
- Intrigue8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Sleeping Sickness is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowProfoundly sad and moving
Emotionally, it's profoundly sad and moving.
All heart traits
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
World
HighEveryday modern life, the mind, and mystery
Its world is built around everyday modern life, the mind, and mystery. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Politics6Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout performances and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The performances and characters stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchThought-Provoking
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About
Ebbo and Vera Velten have spent the better part of the past twenty years living in different African countries. Ebbo is the manager of a sleeping sickness programme. His work is fulfilling. Vera, however, feels increasingly lost in Yaounde’s ex-pat community. She can’t bear the separation from her 14-year-old daughter, Helen, who is attending boarding school in Germany. Ebbo must give up his life in Africa or he risks losing the woman he loves. But his fear of returning to a land now remote to him increases with each passing day. Years later. Alex Nzila, a young French doctor of Congolese origin, travels to Cameroon to evaluate a development project. It’s been a long time since he set foot on this continent, but, instead of finding new prospects, he encounters a destructive, lost man. Like a phantom, Ebbo slips away from his evaluator.
African ColonialismPsychological DramaSlow-Burn MysteryExpat IsolationMelancholic RealismMoral AmbiguityCharacter StudyPolitical UndertonesIntrospective Narrative
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Sleeping Sickness
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Sleeping Sickness worth watching?
63
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 63/100 (IMDb 6.2). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is Sleeping Sickness?
1 h 31 min
Sleeping Sickness runs 1 h 31 min.
What language is Sleeping Sickness in?
GermanFrenchDutch
It was made in German, with some French, Dutch. Produced in Cameroon, Germany, France, Netherlands.
In how many countries can I watch Sleeping Sickness?
4
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Sleeping Sickness in 4 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.