Starting February 1, the 1991 Julia Roberts psychological thriller Sleeping with the Enemy will become available for streaming on Hulu, ending its long absence from subscription platforms. Previously, the film could only be accessed through purchase or rental on services like YouTube TV, Apple TV, and Google Play.
Sleeping with the Enemy channels a darker, suspenseful side of Julia Roberts’ career, standing apart from her more familiar romantic comedies and dramas. The story follows Laura Burney, played by Roberts, who feigns her own death to escape an abusive marriage. Adopting a fresh identity as Sara Walters, Laura begins a new life and forms a relationship with a local schoolteacher, Ben Woodward (Kevin Anderson). However, her ex-husband Martin Burney (Patrick Bergin) eventually tracks her down, threatening the safety and stability she has fought to establish.
The Film’s Journey: Critical Reception Versus Audience Response
Upon release in 1991, Sleeping with the Enemy received generally unfavorable reviews. Critics commonly described the plot as laden with clichés that detracted from its suspense, leading to a low 24% critics’ approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film was viewed by many reviewers as inferior to more acclaimed psychological thrillers of its era, despite its gripping premise.
Despite its critical shortcomings, the film achieved substantial box office success, grossing approximately $175 million worldwide against a modest $19 million budget. This commercial triumph signals that many moviegoers were drawn to Roberts’ performance and the film’s intense narrative. Over time, it has remained a memorable title for audiences, maintaining a place in pop culture that contradicts critical opinions.
Audience feedback supports this disparity, as the film holds a significantly higher 60% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes’ audience Popcornmeter. This score suggests that general viewers appreciate the film’s suspense and Roberts’ portrayal more than professional critics did, indicating the thriller’s enduring appeal to a broad audience.
The Lasting Appeal and Prospects for a Remake
More than three decades after its premiere, Sleeping with the Enemy may deserve a fresh critical look. While the storyline can feel predictable, the film sustains tension from beginning to end, largely due to Julia Roberts’ compelling turn as Laura Burney. Her performance elevates the character beyond a mere archetype, delivering emotional depth amidst the film’s darker themes.
The movie’s sustained popularity has led to discussions about reviving the story. In 2019, reports surfaced about a remake in development, with director Nia DeCosta, known for The Marvels and 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, attached to the project. However, the film’s status remains uncertain, possibly affected by the Disney-Fox merger, and no official cancellation has been confirmed, leaving the door open for the remake’s progress.
Fans of Julia Roberts and psychological thrillers can now stream Sleeping with the Enemy on Hulu starting February 1, introducing this tense and intense film to new viewers alongside other upcoming releases like Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes and a new special from The Muppet Show featuring Sabrina Carpenter.
Main Cast of Sleeping with the Enemy
- Julia Roberts as Laura Burney / Sara Walters
- Patrick Bergin as Martin Burney (the ex-husband)
- Kevin Anderson as Ben Woodward (the schoolteacher)
- Elizabeth Lawrence as Chloe Williams
