Get ready for a reality-bending experience that will make you question your own dreams. The highly anticipated indie sci-fi thriller Somnium is generating massive buzz on the festival circuit, and with stars from fan-favorite shows like Stranger Things and The OA, it’s poised to be the next cult classic. This isn’t just another thriller; it’s a deep dive into the cost of ambition and the terrifying possibility of manufactured dreams turning into waking nightmares. If you’ve been searching for a film that blends psychological horror with cerebral science fiction, the Somnium movie is one you can’t afford to miss.
What is the Sci-Fi Thriller ‘Somnium’ About?
Somnium centers on Gemma (Chloë Levine, The OA), a young woman who moves to Los Angeles to chase her dreams of stardom after a painful breakup. To pay the bills, she takes a job at Somnium, a mysterious sleep clinic that promises its clients the ability to live out their wildest fantasies in their sleep. What starts as a dream job quickly spirals into a horrifying ordeal. Gemma discovers that the clinic has sinister secrets, and her grip on reality begins to fray as unsettling phenomena bleed into her waking life. The film has been described as a creeping, David Cronenberg-like waking nightmare, exploring the dark side of Hollywood’s cutthroat environment and the terrifying consequences of losing yourself in the pursuit of success.
Meet the Cast: From Hawkins to a Sinister Sleep Clinic
The film boasts a compelling cast led by two stars from the world of high-concept streaming hits. Chloë Levine, known for her captivating role in Netflix’s mind-bending series The OA, takes the lead as Gemma. Her performance is already earning accolades, including a Best Actress Award at FilmQuest.
Joining her is Grace Van Dien, who viewers will instantly recognize from her role as Chrissy Cunningham in Season 4 of Stranger Things. In Somnium, Van Dien plays a glamorous Hollywood starlet who appears to be deeply entangled in the clinic’s strange nightly rituals. The supporting cast includes Peter Vack (Mozart in the Jungle), Will Peltz (Unfriended), and Johnathon Schaech (Suitable Flesh), rounding out a fantastic ensemble for this indie gem. If you’re a fan of these actors, you should check out our article on what the cast of ‘Stranger Things’ is up to next.
A Cronenberg-Style Waking Nightmare
Director Racheal Cain crafts a tense and atmospheric journey that feels reminiscent of body-horror master David Cronenberg. Somnium doesn’t rely on cheap jump scares; instead, it builds a pervasive sense of dread as Gemma’s reality warps and the lines between her dreams and her life dissolve completely. It’s a psychological thriller that will stick with you long after the credits roll.
The Long Road to Theaters: A Decade in the Making
The story behind Somnium is as compelling as the film itself. Writer-director Racheal Cain began working on the script back in 2011. After a successful crowdfunding campaign in 2018 allowed her to begin filming, the production journey continued for several years, with principal photography wrapping up in 2022. This decade-long passion project is a testament to the power of independent filmmaking.
Festival Buzz and Perfect Rotten Tomatoes Score
Cain’s dedication has paid off spectacularly. Somnium has been a festival darling, winning audience awards at both the Chattanooga Film Festival and the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival. Even more impressively, the film currently holds a perfect 100% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, signaling that this is a truly special and well-crafted sci-fi thriller.
When and Where Can You Watch ‘Somnium’?
Excited to check into the Somnium clinic? The film is getting a phased release, giving you multiple opportunities to see it.
‘Somnium’ US Theater Release Date
The film begins its theatrical run in select theaters on August 28, 2025, starting with a screening at the Laemmle Royal in Los Angeles. A New York run will follow, beginning on September 6, 2025.
Digital and VOD Release Details
If you can’t make it to a theater, you won’t have to wait long. Somnium will be available to rent or buy on Digital HD starting September 9, 2025. You can find it on major platforms including Apple TV, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.
Somnium is shaping up to be a standout sci-fi thriller of the year, driven by powerful performances and a chilling, original concept. Combining the star power of Chloë Levine and Grace Van Dien with a critically acclaimed story, this is a must-watch for any fan of psychological horror and thought-provoking cinema. Will you be watching this waking nightmare unfold?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know if you’ll be watching Somnium in theaters or at home!