Film Festival Review: Sleepwalk With Me

Directed by Mike Birbiglia

USA

Sleepwalk with Me was adapted from a live comedy show by its director and star, Mike Birbiglia, who co-wrote the script with public radio demigod Ira glass. Now there’s a man who knows how to craft a story; he’s been doing it in audio form for many award-winning years.

The happy result of the collaboration is incredibly, appallingly funny, as Birbiglia narrates his battle with dangerous sleepwalking incidents and their effect on his relationship. I was so distracted with explosive belly laughs that it was not until later that I thought, hang on, he tricked us into sanctioning some pretty ratty behaviour with a cutesey “Remember, you’re on my side” plea straight to camera. Birbiglia is a crafty scoundrel disguised in a hapless standup comic’s uniform.