Max Richter’s Sleep is a sensory-rich documentary that follows the acclaimed composer and his creative partner, Yulia Mahr, as they navigate the logistical and emotional challenges of performing his eight-hour masterpiece.
Designed to be heard while the audience is asleep, the “Sleep” concerts are a radical experiment in contemporary music, inviting listeners to disconnect from the frantic pace of modern life and reconnect with their subconscious. Beyond the music, director Natalie Johns provides an intimate look at the partnership between Richter and Mahr, whose visual art is integral to the project’s identity.
The film beautifully captures the unique atmosphere of these overnight performances, where rows of beds replace traditional seating. Richter discusses his desire to create a “lullaby for a frenetic world,” offering a poignant critique of our always-on culture and the vital necessity of rest.