Apneia (2014)
A Brazilian drama about a young woman who refuses to sleep, drifting through sleepless nights on the edge of her own existence.
Apneia - Movie Information
- Original Title: Apneia
- Release Year: 2014
- Directed by: Maurício Eça
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 45m
- Original Language: Portuguese
- Spoken Languages: Portuguese
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 6, 2014 (Brazil)
- Production Countries: Brazil
Apneia - Plot
Apnea presents a week in the life of Chris and her friends. Chris does not want to sleep. Afraid of her sleep apnea and her own unconsciousness, Chris stays up several nights in search of some sort of sense to her life that she did not see during the day, always living on the edge of her own body, and of existence itself, and dragging everything around with her.
Where to Watch Apneia
Looking for where to watch Apneia?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Apneia - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Maurício Eça
Main Cast
- Marisol Ribeiro
- Marjorie Estiano
- Thaila Ayala
- Fernando Alves Pinto
- Maria Fernanda Cândido
- Vinícius Redd
- Gustavo Duque
- Priscila Sol
- Supla
- Paulo Ricardo
Writers
- Maurício Eça
- Mariana Zatz
Producers
- Maurício Eça
Apneia - FAQs
What is Apneia about?
Apneia follows Chris, a young woman so afraid of her sleep apnea and her own unconsciousness that she refuses to sleep. Over the course of a week, she and her friends drift through nights searching for meaning, living on the edge of their bodies and existence itself in this intimate Brazilian drama.
Is Apneia based on a true story?
Apneia is not based on a specific true story. It's an original screenplay written by director Maurício Eça and co-writer Mariana Zatz. The film draws on universal themes of fear, identity, and the search for meaning rather than any documented real-life events.
Where can you stream Apneia online?
You can watch Apneia for free on Tubi TV and Fawesome, both ad-supported platforms. It's also available on Mometu with ads. All three options let you stream the film without a paid subscription, making it easy to catch this Brazilian drama at no cost.
Why does Chris refuse to sleep in Apneia?
Chris is gripped by a deep fear of her sleep apnea and the loss of control that comes with unconsciousness. Staying awake becomes her way of holding on to herself and her sense of existence. Her sleeplessness is both a medical condition and a metaphor for her existential anxiety throughout the film.
Who are the main actors in Apneia?
The cast is led by Marisol Ribeiro as Chris, with Marjorie Estiano as Giovanna and Thaila Ayala as Júlia. Fernando Alves Pinto and Maria Fernanda Cândido round out the core ensemble, alongside Vinícius Redd, Gustavo Duque, Priscila Sol, and Brazilian rock icons Supla and Paulo Ricardo.
Who directed Apneia and what is the film's style?
Apneia was directed by Maurício Eça, who also co-wrote the screenplay and produced the film. The movie has an intimate, observational style that mirrors its protagonist's restless, nocturnal state of mind. Eça captures the blurry boundary between wakefulness and collapse with a quietly immersive approach.
What themes does Apneia explore?
At its core, Apneia explores fear of the unconscious, the search for identity, and the fragility of existence. It also examines friendship, the pull of self-destruction, and what it means to truly be present in your own life. The sleep apnea condition works as both a literal and symbolic thread throughout the story.
What are some movies similar to Apneia?
If Apneia resonates with you, check out Hungry Hearts (2015) and Herself (2020) for similarly intimate character studies, or Bastard Out of Carolina (1996) for raw emotional drama. The Nest (2020) and Almost Friends (2017) also share that introspective focus on characters navigating personal crisis and identity.
More About Apneia
Explore further details about Apneia on these trusted databases.