IF I SHOULD DIE BEFORE I WAKE

Cinemavixion Review

Eric L. Ayala's 'If I Should Die Before I Wake' is a poignant exploration of repressed desire and the arduous journey toward self-acceptance. Set against the backdrop of the American South, the film masterfully intertwines themes of Black queer masculinity, faith, and the pervasive influence of societal expectations. Lyndrez Leslie delivers a compelling performance as Brian, a man caught between the comfortable facade of his marriage and the persistent echoes of a past love. The narrative unflinchingly examines the emotional toll of secrecy and the courage required to confront one's true identity. Through its sensitive portrayal of internal conflict and the struggle for authenticity, the film invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of love, guilt, and the courage it takes to live a life free from the constraints of buried truths.