Bed Rest is a 2022 American supernatural horror film that marks the directorial debut of Lori Evans Taylor, who also penned the screenplay. The film stars Melissa Barrera as Julie Rivers, a pregnant woman confined to bed rest, and Guy Burnet as her husband, Daniel Rivers. Released on December 7, 2022, the movie is available for streaming on Tubi.
Plot Overview
After years of struggling to start a family, Julie Rivers becomes pregnant and moves into a new home with her husband, Daniel. Following a traumatic fall, Julie is prescribed mandatory bed rest for the remainder of her pregnancy. Confined to her bed, she begins to experience unsettling supernatural occurrences within the house, including visions of a mysterious child and other ghostly happenings. As these events intensify, Julie's mental state deteriorates, leading her to question what is real and what is a manifestation of her fears. The film explores themes of trauma, maternal anxiety, and the supernatural, culminating in a suspenseful and emotionally charged climax.
Production and Release
The screenplay for Bed Rest was included in the 2015 Black List, highlighting it as one of the most-liked unproduced scripts in Hollywood at that time. Filming began in November 2021 in Winnipeg, with STX Entertainment and Project X Entertainment producing the film. Originally slated for a theatrical release on July 15, 2022, the film's distribution strategy shifted, and it premiered on the streaming platform Tubi on December 7, 2022.
Critical Reception
Bed Rest has received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 28% approval rating based on four reviews. Critics have noted that while the film attempts to build tension, it relies heavily on familiar horror clichรฉs and lacks originality. Philipp Engel of Cinemanรญa (Spain) described the film as "an ambitious invention that has not quite come to fruition," while Miguel Calabria of EscribiendoCine commented on its "slow and predictable beginning" and the use of "well-known horror film clichรฉs."
Conclusion
Bed Rest offers a psychological exploration of a woman's descent into fear and paranoia during a vulnerable period in her life. While it treads familiar ground within the horror genre, the film's atmospheric tension and Melissa Barrera's performance provide a compelling experience for fans of supernatural thrillers. Its availability on Tubi makes it an accessible option for viewers seeking a new horror film to stream.