The movie you are referring to where the world forgets how to sleep is likely the 2025 Romanian sci-fi horror film titled “We Put the World to Sleep.” This film explores a unique and apocalyptic scenario involving sleep and the human condition. It follows fictional versions of two characters, Adrian and Duru, who become deeply immersed in the roles they play in an apocalyptic film. Their immersion leads them to embark on a secret mission to end the world for real, blurring the lines between fiction and reality[2][3][6].
“We Put the World to Sleep” is notable for its ambitious blend of metaphysical themes inspired by classics like “2001: A Space Odyssey” and the raw realism reminiscent of “The Blair Witch Project.” The film was a product of nine years of work by its creators Adrian Țofei and Duru Yücel, who also star as the main characters. The story delves into complex ideas about mass destruction, identity, and the psychological unraveling of its protagonists as they confront the end of the world and, metaphorically, the loss of sleep or rest for humanity[6][5].
The film premiered at the Nightmares Film Festival in Columbus, Ohio, in October 2025, where it received critical acclaim, winning awards such as Best Midnight Feature and Best Supporting Performance. Its narrative is layered, combining horror, science fiction, and psychological thriller elements to create a haunting atmosphere that questions reality and human nature[6].
Unlike typical apocalyptic movies that focus on external disasters, “We Put the World to Sleep” uses the concept of sleep—or the loss of it—as a central metaphor. The title itself suggests a world that is metaphorically or literally put into a state where normal sleep patterns are disrupted or forgotten, leading to chaos and existential dread. The film’s plot and characters reflect this theme through their descent into madness and their mission to end the world, which can be interpreted as a symbolic death of rest and peace for humanity[2][3][5].
This movie stands out for its unique approach to the theme of sleep and apocalypse, making it a distinct entry in the genre of sci-fi horror. It is not just about the physical inability to sleep but also about the psychological and metaphysical implications of such a condition on individuals and society as a whole.
If you are looking for a film that explores the idea of the world forgetting how to sleep in a deep, symbolic, and unsettling way, “We Put the World to Sleep” is the most relevant and recent example. It combines horror, sci-fi, and philosophical inquiry into a narrative that challenges viewers to think about the nature of reality, identity, and the human psyche under extreme conditions[6][2].
