“Bed Rest” is a 2022 horror thriller 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 who, after moving into a new home with her husband Daniel (played by Guy Burnet), is prescribed mandatory bed rest due to complications. Confined to her bed, Julie begins to experience a series of unsettling supernatural events, leading her to question her sanity and the safety of her unborn child.

Plot Overview

The narrative centers on Julie Rivers, who, after enduring past traumas related to pregnancy, is eager to start anew in a different house. However, complications arise, and her doctor orders strict bed rest to ensure the health of her baby. Isolated and immobilized, Julie becomes increasingly aware of eerie occurrences within the house. As these events escalate, she grapples with distinguishing between reality and hallucination, all while confronting her past demons.

Critical Reception

“Bed Rest” has received a mixed reception from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 15% approval rating based on four reviews. Philipp Engel of Cinemanía (Spain) describes the film as “an ambitious invention [that] has not quite come to fruition.” Hernán Ferreirós of La Nación (Argentina) notes that it “could hardly be accused of being original.” Miguel Calabria of EscribiendoCine criticizes the film for its “slow and predictable beginning” and reliance on “the most well-known horror film clichés,” offering “nothing new to the genre.”Â

Audience Feedback

Viewer reactions have been similarly varied. An IMDb user review praises Melissa Barrera’s performance but criticizes the film’s “reliance on cheap jump scares and strange whispering voices,” concluding that the ending was “not as satisfying as I hoped it would be.”  Another reviewer describes the movie as having “bad acting, terribly shallow storyline, lacks logic,” expressing disappointment in its execution. 

Analysis

“Bed Rest” attempts to blend psychological horror with themes of grief, trauma, and mental health. The film’s premise offers potential for a deep exploration of a woman’s psyche as she confronts both supernatural and internal demons. However, critiques suggest that the execution falls short, with the narrative relying heavily on familiar horror tropes and predictable plot developments.

Melissa Barrera’s portrayal of Julie Rivers is a notable highlight, with several reviews commending her performance. Her ability to convey a range of emotions adds depth to the character and provides a compelling anchor for the story. Despite this, the film’s pacing and overuse of conventional horror elements may detract from its overall impact.

Conclusion

While “Bed Rest” offers a narrative that intertwines psychological depth with horror, it has been critiqued for its predictability and reliance on genre clichés. Melissa Barrera’s performance stands out as a strength, but the film may not fully satisfy those seeking innovation in horror storytelling. For viewers interested in psychological horror that delves into themes of grief and trauma, “Bed Rest” might be worth a watch, keeping in mind its mixed reviews.