Lifetime movies have carved a unique niche in television, particularly with their suspenseful, often over-the-top thrillers. Among these, the “Stalked By My Doctor” series has become a standout, largely thanks to the captivatingly unhinged performance of Eric Roberts. The 2019 installment, Stalked By My Doctor: A Sleepwalker’s Nightmare, continues this trend, plunging viewers into a world of medical malpractice, obsession, and improbable plot twists. Let’s delve into why this series, and specifically this movie, holds such a bizarre fascination.
Promotional image for "Stalked By My Doctor: A Sleepwalker's Nightmare" featuring Eric Roberts as Dr. Albert Beck and Emilie Ullerup as Michelle.
The “Stalked By My Doctor” Phenomenon: Why We Can’t Look Away
The premise itself is ludicrously simple yet undeniably gripping: a doctor, played with delicious psychosis by Eric Roberts, becomes dangerously obsessed with his patients. This formula, established in the original Stalked By My Doctor (2015), proved so successful that it spawned a series. What is it about this concept that keeps audiences tuning in for sequels like Stalked By My Doctor: The Return (2016) and Stalked By My Doctor: Patient’s Revenge (2018)? It’s the perfect storm of suspense, melodrama, and the sheer spectacle of Eric Roberts embracing the villainous role with unrestrained gusto. These movies are not meant to be cinematic masterpieces; they are crafted for guilty pleasure, a space where viewers can revel in the absurdity and the thrill of the chase.
Low-budget movie poster for "Stalked By My Doctor: A Sleepwalker's Nightmare" with the title and actors' names.
“A Sleepwalker’s Nightmare” Plot Breakdown: Madness and Mayhem
Stalked By My Doctor: A Sleepwalker’s Nightmare takes the series’ inherent craziness up a notch. We meet Michelle (Emilie Ullerup), whose sleepwalking antics at a wedding – specifically, kissing the groom – go viral and cost her job. Seeking professional help, she unwittingly walks right into the path of Dr. Albert Beck (Eric Roberts), who is now operating under the alias Dr. Tanner after dispatching a real sleep specialist and assuming his identity. This convenient and swift career change sets the stage for the escalating absurdity to come.
Eric Roberts portraying Dr. Beck in "Stalked By My Doctor: A Sleepwalker's Nightmare" in a diner setting.
Dr. Beck, now Dr. Tanner, lands a job at the New Mexico Sleep Study Center (NMSSC), where, in a twist of fate, his new colleague is Dr. Newman, played by Felissa Rose of Sleepaway Camp fame. The coincidences pile up when Michelle becomes Dr. Tanner’s first patient. Exploiting her vulnerability, Beck diagnoses her with “sexsomnia,” a condition involving sexual activity during sleep, further solidifying his creepy intentions.
Eric Roberts as Dr. Beck interacting with Emilie Ullerup's character, Michelle, in a clinical setting.
Dr. Beck’s Descent into Derangement: Eric Roberts at His Finest
What truly elevates Stalked By My Doctor: A Sleepwalker’s Nightmare is Eric Roberts’ portrayal of Dr. Beck’s unraveling psyche. The movie cleverly visualizes Beck’s inner turmoil by introducing an imaginary alter ego – a “Laid Back Beck” in Hawaiian shirts and a porkpie hat, dispensing questionable advice and indulging in tropical drinks. This internal dialogue amplifies the character’s lunacy and provides some genuinely entertaining moments. Roberts commits fully to both personas, delivering a performance that is both unsettling and darkly comedic.
Sexsomnia and Suspense: The Movie’s Wild Premise
The film’s plot thickens when it’s revealed that Michelle’s niece, Katie (Angeline Appel), also suffers from a sleep-related sexual disorder. This development is, of course, a dream come true for Dr. Beck, whose ultimate goal, across the series, is to manipulate and brainwash a young woman into loving him. The movie then becomes a suspenseful game of cat and mouse as Michelle and Dr. Newman grow suspicious of Dr. Tanner’s questionable methods and begin to investigate, putting themselves in mortal danger.
Angeline Appel as Katie, seemingly vulnerable and potentially targeted by Dr. Beck in "Stalked By My Doctor: A Sleepwalker's Nightmare".
Is “Stalked By My Doctor: A Sleepwalker’s Nightmare” Worth Watching?
For those seeking high-brow cinema, Stalked By My Doctor: A Sleepwalker’s Nightmare is undoubtedly not the answer. However, if you appreciate the so-bad-it’s-good genre, enjoy suspenseful thrillers with a generous helping of melodrama, and are a fan of Eric Roberts’ uninhibited acting style, then this movie is absolutely worth watching. Roberts goes “full throttle,” as the original review aptly puts it, delivering a performance that transcends the limitations of the made-for-TV format. He elevates the film from potential schlock to a genuinely entertaining, if ludicrous, experience.
Eric Roberts in a dramatic pose as Dr. Beck in "Stalked By My Doctor: A Sleepwalker's Nightmare", showcasing his intense performance.
Ultimately, Stalked By My Doctor: A Sleepwalker’s Nightmare, like the rest of the series, thrives on its own absurdity. It requires a generous suspension of disbelief, but in return, it offers a wildly entertaining ride fueled by Eric Roberts’ unforgettable portrayal of a truly deranged doctor. If you’re in the mood for a Lifetime thriller, this entry in the “Stalked By My Doctor” saga is a prime example of why these movies have become a cultural phenomenon.
