Before I Go to Sleep

Main Plot

Before I Go to Sleep follows the story of Christine, a woman who suffers from amnesia, waking up every day with no memory of her past or her identity due to a traumatic incident. Each morning, she relies on her husband, Ben, to help her piece together her life, but she soon discovers that he may not be telling her the whole truth. Christine begins to keep a journal to document her thoughts and experiences, hoping to regain her memories and understand the reality of her situation. As she uncovers fragments of her past, she becomes increasingly suspicious of those around her, leading to a tense exploration of trust, memory, and the search for the truth. The film delves into the psychological struggles Christine faces as she grapples with her condition and the implications it has on her relationships and sense of self.

Characters

• Nicole Kidman plays Christine Lucas, an amnesiac who wakes up daily with no memory, uncovering disturbing truths about her past and those around her.
• Colin Firth plays Ben Lucas, the husband of Christine, who suffers from amnesia. His character's true intentions are revealed as the plot unfolds.
• Mark Strong plays Dr. Nasch, a neuropsychologist helping Christine recover her lost memories and uncover the truth about her past.

Ending Explained

In Before I Go to Sleep, the ending reveals the truth behind Christine's amnesia and the manipulation she has faced. Throughout the film, Christine wakes up each day with no memory of her past due to a traumatic incident that left her unable to form new memories. As she pieces together her life through a journal, she discovers inconsistencies in the stories told by her husband, Ben, and her therapist, Dr. Nash. The climax occurs when Christine confronts the reality of her situation. She learns that Ben is not who he claims to be; he has been controlling and lying to her about her past. The shocking revelation is that he is responsible for her condition, having been involved in the traumatic event that caused her memory loss. In a tense confrontation, Christine fights back against Ben, ultimately gaining control over her own narrative. The film concludes with Christine finally reclaiming her identity and agency. She records a final entry in her journal, signifying her determination to move forward and embrace her life despite the challenges she faces. This resolution connects to the overall theme of self-discovery and the struggle for autonomy in the face of manipulation and trauma.