The opening image of “Before I Go to Sleep,” a preposterous thriller adapted from S. J. Watson’s best-selling novel, is an extreme close-up of a blue, bloodshot eye. That orb belongs to Christine (Nicole Kidman), a damsel in distress afflicted with that hoary soap-opera device, amnesia. When Christine wakes up every morning, she has no idea where she is and not a clue about the man in bed with her who claims to be her husband, Ben (Colin Firth).
A damsel in distress with amnesia and a creepily solicitous mate: That’s really all you need to know about the story, in which Christine’s memory begins to return after 13 years with the help of Dr. Nasch (Mark Strong), a grim neuropsychologist who fancies her. The plot conceit, in which Christine forgets each day’s events as soon as she goes to sleep, has a vague resemblance to “Groundhog Day.” But this movie, directed by Rowan Joffe (“Brighton Rock”), doesn’t have an ounce of levity.
Unknown to Ben, the good doctor telephones Christine each morning, reidentifies himself and directs her to a camera buried in her closet so she can record a video diary. Her memory begins to return in jarring flashbacks. Questioned by Christine, Ben reveals that she lost her memory in a violent assault.
Ms. Kidman gives the role all she’s got and practically drowns in her own tears as sad new facts come to light, and Mr. Firth proves he can play nasty as well as nice. If it weren’t for the diligent performances of its stars, who inject some emotional depth into this bogus claptrap, “Before I Go to Sleep” would be an unwatchable, titter-inducing catastrophe.
“Before I Go to Sleep” is rated R (Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian) for brutal violence and strong language.