New Movies: Singing in My Sleep (2025) by Nick Wilson: A Daughter's Melody in Her Father's Shadow

Core Summary: Musical Legacy, Abandonment, and Self-Discovery

Singing in My Sleep (2025) is a musical drama directed by Nick Wilson. The film tells the story of Charlotte Lakes (Jessica Belkin), a brilliant teenage songwriter living in the shadow of her deceased father, Jack Lakes (Gavin Leatherwood), a pop-rock icon. As the 20-year anniversary of his hit debut album approaches, forcing a tribute concert, Charlotte must confront the pain of his abandonment and decide whether to forever evade his legacy or embrace her own musical talent and step into the spotlight. The film features original songs co-written by Melanie Fontana & Lindgren and an original score by Louis Weeks, serving as a coming-of-age story interwoven with the complexities of family, grief, and artistic identity.

Summary Short: A talented teen songwriter must confront her deceased pop-star father's abandonment and legacy as his tribute concert looms.

Nick Wilson's Singing in My Sleep (2025) is a musical drama about Charlotte, a gifted songwriter overshadowed by her late rock-star dad's legacy, forced to choose between avoiding his memory and embracing her own musical path on the 20th anniversary of his debut.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16341624/

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/singing-in-my-sleep (US)

Detailed Summary: Harmony and Heartbreak in the Pursuit of Identity

Singing in My Sleep is a journey of a young artist struggling to find her voice amidst a pervasive, bittersweet past.

• Charlotte's Burdened Talent: The film introduces Charlotte Lakes, an 18-year-old with undeniable songwriting talent and a dream of attending the prestigious Leeman Songwriting Conservatory. However, her life is heavily influenced by the ghost of her father, Jack Lakes, who became a pop-rock icon before his tragic death. Jack's sole tangible legacy to Charlotte and her troubled mother, Mary (Malin Akerman), was a song, "Magical She." Charlotte is torn between aspiring to her own musical future and eluding the inescapable shadow of her famous, yet absent, father.

• The Impending Anniversary: Charlotte works two jobs to save for Leeman, trying to carve out an independent path. This effort is disrupted by the approaching 20-year anniversary of Jack's hit debut album, which is being celebrated with a tribute concert. This event forces Charlotte to confront her father's abandonment head-on, compelling her to decide if she will continue to avoid his name or face the pain and potentially participate in the tribute.

• Unreliable Memories and Hypnotic Performances: Charlotte uses her "hypnotic music performances" as an emotional outlet, allowing her to express her inner turmoil. Yet, she is constantly challenged, both in her dreams and in reality, by memories of Jack. She begins to realize that the father she thought she knew might not be entirely reliable, adding a layer of mystery and introspection to her journey of understanding her past.

• The Role of Music: Music is not just a backdrop but a central character in the film. The original songs, performed by the lead actors, are integral to conveying Charlotte's emotional arc and her connection (or disconnection) to her father's legacy. The score complements this, enhancing the dramatic and musical elements.

• Mother-Daughter Dynamic: The relationship between Charlotte and her mother, Mary, also touched by Jack's abandonment, likely plays a significant role in Charlotte's emotional development and her understanding of her family history.

• Coming-of-Age and Legacy: At its core, the film is a coming-of-age story about a young woman finding her voice and forging her own identity, not just as an artist, but as an individual, in the face of a complicated inheritance. It explores how one grapples with the legacy of a parent, especially when that legacy is tied to both fame and profound personal absence.

Singing in My Sleep promises to be an emotionally resonant musical drama that delves into the complexities of family relationships, the pursuit of artistic dreams, and the healing power of confronting one's past.

Director's Vision: Nick Wilson's Intimate Musical Storytelling

Nick Wilson, who also co-wrote the script, brings a deeply personal and music-centric vision to Singing in My Sleep.

• Music as the Core: Having met his co-writer Colin while in a band in college, Wilson's vision places music at the "forefront of their friendship, business ventures, and storytelling aesthetic." He sees the original music not just as a soundtrack but as a "linchpin for audience appeal and motivation for our story."

• Emotional Honesty: Wilson aims to tell a story about facing personal abandonment and the struggle to emerge from a powerful legacy. His direction likely focuses on extracting emotionally honest performances from his cast, particularly Jessica Belkin as Charlotte.

• Relatability: While specific to the music industry, Wilson's direction strives for a universal theme of finding one's own path and identity when overshadowed by a significant figure.

• Collaborative Music Team: His emphasis on collaborating with a "powerhouse songwriting team" for the film's original songs highlights his commitment to the musical authenticity and quality, recognizing its crucial role in the narrative.

• Experience-Driven Production: Drawing from his experience on both large-scale commercials and micro-budget short films, Wilson applies a practical approach to bringing this "specific story" to the screen.

Themes: Legacy, Abandonment, Identity, Artistic Expression, Grief, Memory, Mother-Daughter Relationships

• Legacy: The pervasive influence of a famous, deceased parent's legacy on their child's life and artistic aspirations.

• Abandonment: The emotional scars left by a parent's physical or emotional absence, and the journey of confronting and healing from that pain.

• Identity and Self-Discovery: Charlotte's struggle to define herself and her art outside of her father's shadow, and to find her unique voice.

• Artistic Expression as Therapy: Music serves as an emotional outlet and a means for Charlotte to process her feelings and experiences.

• Grief and Memory: The ongoing process of grieving a deceased parent, complicated by the complexities of their public image versus personal truth.

• Truth vs. Perception: The theme of "unreliable memories" of her father challenges Charlotte's understanding of her past.

• Mother-Daughter Relationships: The shared experience of loss and abandonment influences the dynamic between Charlotte and Mary.

Key Success Factors: Relatable Story with Musical Appeal

• Universal Coming-of-Age Story: Despite the specific musical setting, the core themes of identity, legacy, and overcoming abandonment are highly relatable.

• Original Music: The film features original songs designed to be central to the story and appealing to audiences, leveraging the power of music in a drama.

• Experienced Cast: The presence of established actors like Malin Akerman and rising talents like Jessica Belkin and Gavin Leatherwood (especially for his musical role) provides strong performances.

• Focus on Music Industry: For audiences interested in the inner workings or personal stories within the music world, the premise is highly engaging.

• Director's Passion for Music: Nick Wilson's background and passion for music ensure that the film's musical elements are handled with authenticity and care

Summary Short: A Concise Takeaway

Nick Wilson's Singing in My Sleep (2025) is a musical drama about Charlotte, a gifted songwriter confronting her deceased rock-star father's legacy and abandonment through a tribute concert, featuring original songs and exploring themes of identity and healing.

Awards & Nominations: Musical Talent at the Forefront

As a 2024 release, Singing in My Sleep is still in the early stages of its award recognition, but its focus on music and songwriting suggests potential in specific categories.

• Original Songs: The film features original songs by acclaimed songwriters Melanie Fontana and Lindgren, performed by the lead actors. This aspect could make it a contender for:

  • Best Original Song at various film awards or music-related ceremonies.

  • Best Score for Louis Weeks' original score. (A soundtrack album has been released, featuring both original songs and score).

• Independent Film Recognition: As an independent production, it may gain nominations or awards at independent film festivals or genre-specific events focused on drama or musical films.

While no major awards have been widely reported yet, the pedigree of its songwriting team and its thematic depth provide a strong foundation for future consideration.

Critics' Reception: Mixed Reviews for a Familiar Tune

Critical reception for Singing in My Sleep has been somewhat mixed, with some praising its emotional core and musical elements, while others found its narrative familiar or its execution uneven.

• Positive Aspects Often Highlighted: Critics who responded positively tend to appreciate the film's focus on the emotional struggles of a young artist dealing with a complex family legacy. The original songs by Melanie Fontana and Lindgren, often performed by Jessica Belkin and Gavin Leatherwood, are likely to be seen as a strong asset, contributing to the musical drama aspect.

• Familiar Narrative Arc: Some critics might find the "brilliant young artist stuck in a famous parent's shadow" to be a well-trodden path. The film's ability to bring fresh insights or compelling new angles to this familiar narrative would be a key point of evaluation.

• Character Development and Performances: The portrayal of Charlotte's journey and the depth of her struggle with abandonment are crucial. Reviews would assess Jessica Belkin's performance in carrying the emotional weight of the film. Malin Åkerman's supporting role would also be noted.

• Pacing and Emotional Impact: Whether the film effectively builds emotional resonance and maintains a compelling pace throughout its 92-minute runtime would be a factor in critical assessment.

While specific detailed critical reviews are not widely available from major publications, platforms like MUBI list "critic reviews," suggesting a presence within the cinephile community. The general sentiment, as gathered from snippets, points to a film that is heartfelt but perhaps not groundbreaking in its storytelling.

Reviews: Audiences Connect with Emotional Themes and Music

Audience reviews for Singing in My Sleep are likely to be shaped by viewers' appreciation for coming-of-age dramas, musical elements, and relatable family struggles.

• Emotional Resonance: Viewers who connect with stories of personal growth, overcoming trauma, and finding one's own voice will likely appreciate Charlotte's journey. The themes of abandonment and forgiveness are potent and can evoke strong emotional responses.

• Musical Appeal: For audiences who enjoy films where music plays a central role, the original songs and performances will be a significant draw. The soundtrack itself, released separately, indicates a focus on the musical aspect of the film.

• Relatability for Young Audiences: As a coming-of-age story centered on a teenager, the film may particularly resonate with younger audiences navigating identity, parental relationships, and creative ambition.

• Performances: The lead performances, especially Jessica Belkin as Charlotte, will be key to audience engagement. Viewers will look for authenticity in her portrayal of a gifted but troubled artist.

• Overall Enjoyment: Audience scores on platforms like TMDb (where it has a user score of 57 out of 100 from 9 users) suggest a mixed but generally average reception, indicating that while some viewers found it engaging, others might have found it less impactful.

Overall, Singing in My Sleep will likely appeal most to audiences seeking a heartfelt drama with a strong musical component, particularly those interested in stories about young artists grappling with personal challenges and legacies. Its success will depend on its ability to deliver an authentic emotional journey through its characters and music.

Box Office: Modest Indie Performance

As an independent drama/musical, Singing in My Sleep is not expected to achieve large mainstream box office numbers. Its commercial performance will be modest, primarily driven by niche theatrical releases and digital sales.

• Limited Theatrical Release: The film is noted for a limited theatrical release in select movie theaters across major markets.

• VOD/Digital Release: It is simultaneously available for purchase or rental on video-on-demand (VOD) services like Prime Video and Apple TV.

Overall Summary of Box Office: Singing in My Sleep is a low-budget independent film with an expected modest box office performance from its limited theatrical run. Its primary commercial success is anticipated to come from its digital and VOD platform releases.

Production Summary: An Independent Musical Drama

Singing in My Sleep (2025) is an American musical drama film with a runtime of 1 hour 32 minutes (92 minutes). It is written and directed by Nick Wilson. The film stars Jessica Belkin as Charlotte Lakes, Malin Akerman as Mary (Charlotte's mother), and Gavin Leatherwood as Jack Lakes (Charlotte's father). Original songs for the film were written by Melanie Fontana & Lindgren, and the original score was composed by Louis Weeks. Key producers include Chris Abernathy, Stephen Braun, Eric B. Fleischman, and Nick Wilson. Farhad Ahmed Dehlvi served as the cinematographer.

Production Companies: Collaborative Independent Efforts

Singing in My Sleep is a production of independent film companies, reflecting a collaborative approach:

• Specific primary production companies are not widely detailed in early information, common for independent films. Producers listed include Chris Abernathy, Stephen Braun, Eric B. Fleischman, and Nick Wilson, indicating a collaborative indie structure.

Distribution Companies: Vertical Entertainment

Vertical Entertainment is handling the domestic distribution of Singing in My Sleep, including its limited theatrical release and VOD availability.

Release Date on Streaming: Available from July 11, 2025

Singing in My Sleep was released on VOD/digital platforms starting July 11, 2025.

Theatrical Release: Limited Theatrical (July 11, 2025)

Singing in My Sleep had a limited theatrical release in the US starting July 11, 2025.

Why to Recommend this Movie: For Emotionally Resonant Musical Storytelling

• Music Lovers: Recommend to viewers who appreciate films with original songs that are integral to the plot and character development.

• Coming-of-Age Dramas: Ideal for those who enjoy heartfelt coming-of-age stories about self-discovery, identity, and overcoming personal challenges.

• Family Drama with Depth: A good choice for audiences interested in complex family dynamics, particularly around legacy and unresolved grief.

• Fans of Indie Musicals: For those who appreciate independent films that explore musical themes in a dramatic context.

Why to Watch Movie: To Find Your Own Voice Through Song

• Connect with a Relatable Journey: Watch to empathize with Charlotte's struggle to define herself and her art outside a famous parent's shadow.

• Enjoy Original Music: Discover the film's original songs, which are designed to be both musically appealing and emotionally resonant.

• Witness Strong Performances: Experience the acting of Jessica Belkin, Malin Akerman, and Gavin Leatherwood in this emotional narrative.

• Explore Themes of Legacy and Healing: Engage with the film's deeper messages about confronting the past, accepting abandonment, and finding peace through artistic expression.

Movie Trend: Music-Driven Indie Dramas and Legacy Narratives

Singing in My Sleep aligns with the trend of music-driven independent dramas that use songwriting and performance as central narrative devices, often focusing on themes of personal growth and overcoming adversity. It also taps into the enduring appeal of legacy narratives, where protagonists navigate the shadow (or light) of famous or impactful predecessors.

Big Social Trend: Mental Health and Finding Voice in a Shadow

The film touches on the social trend of mental health awareness, particularly around unresolved trauma like abandonment and the pressures of living up to expectations. Charlotte's journey to find her own voice and confront her past resonates with a broader societal push for authenticity and self-expression, especially for young individuals navigating complex family histories in the public eye (or public legacy).

Final Conclusions: Beyond the Screen, A Lasting Impact: Overall Impression and Impact: A Poignant and Melodious Exploration of Identity

Singing in My Sleep is a poignant and melodious exploration of identity, legacy, and healing. Nick Wilson's direction, combined with original music and strong performances, creates an emotionally resonant drama. It offers a heartfelt look at the challenges of finding one's own voice when burdened by a powerful past, leaving an impactful message about self-discovery and the therapeutic power of art.

Recommendations for Film Makers: Integrate Music Deeply, Focus on Emotional Core: Lessons from "Singing in My Sleep"

• Make Music a Character: Filmmakers should learn from Singing in My Sleep's approach to integrating original music deeply into the narrative, ensuring songs serve character development and plot progression, not just as background.

• Explore Complex Family Dynamics: The film's premise highlights the power of examining the long-term effects of abandonment and legacy within family relationships for compelling drama.

• Cast Authentically for Musical Roles: When making a musical drama, prioritize casting actors who can genuinely convey both dramatic depth and musical talent to ensure believability.

• Balance Nostalgia with Present Story: While drawing on a pop-rock legacy, the film focuses on Charlotte's present journey, demonstrating the importance of making past influences serve current character arcs.

Recommendations for Movie Industry: Invest in Music-Centric Dramas, Support Emerging Voices: Insights from This Production

• Champion Music-Driven Narratives: The industry should continue to invest in and distribute dramas where original music plays a central role, as these films can uniquely connect with audiences and offer cross-platform appeal (e.g., soundtrack sales).

• Support Emerging Directors with Clear Visions: Recognize and support new directors like Nick Wilson who have a strong, personal connection to their subject matter and a clear artistic vision.

• Value Emotionally Resonant Stories: There is a significant audience for films that offer heartfelt, character-driven narratives exploring universal themes like family, grief, and self-discovery.

• Utilize Multi-Platform Release Strategies: The simultaneous theatrical and VOD release strategy for films like Singing in My Sleep can be effective for reaching target audiences for independent dramas.

Final Verdict: Concluding Thoughts on "Singing in My Sleep": A Heartfelt Ode to Finding One's Own Song

Singing in My Sleep is a heartfelt ode to finding one's own song in the shadow of a powerful legacy. Nick Wilson delivers a poignant musical drama that is both emotionally resonant and musically engaging. It's a recommended watch for anyone seeking a moving story about overcoming the past, embracing one's true self, and the enduring power of artistic expression.