Dave Garris

If I Die Before I Wake (1998) is one of those thrillers that wastes no time getting under your skin. It’s basically a home invasion nightmare cranked up to eleven. Dave Garris, the guy behind the camera, really leans into that claustrophobic, edge-of-your-seat vibe. The film kicks off with a regular suburban family just minding their own business—until a group of criminals breaks in one night. Things go south, fast. The youngest daughter, who’s maybe ten, ends up being the key to everything. She’s hiding out in the house, trying to keep from being caught, and you’re just sweating bullets hoping she doesn’t make a sound. What’s wild is how the story keeps ratcheting up the tension. The invaders aren’t the sharpest tools in the shed, but they’re unpredictable and that makes them terrifying. The movie doesn’t hold your hand or give you a break—it just keeps piling on these gut-punch moments. You get to see how each family member reacts: panic, bravery, total shock. And the kid? She’s got this mix of terror and determination that kinda punches you in the feels. Honestly, it’s intense in a way that sticks with you after the credits roll. There’s not a ton of fancy effects or big explosions, but that’s not the point. The fear feels real. It’s all about survival, family, and that sick twist of fate that puts normal people in the worst possible situation. If you like your thrillers gritty and relentless, this one’s for you.