The Lifetime network, once synonymous with melodramatic “chick flicks,” has masterfully pivoted to a genre that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats: suspenseful thrillers. Forget fairytale endings; today, Lifetime delivers a constant stream of suburban nightmares, often with titles as captivating as they are over-the-top. And perhaps no film encapsulates this shift better than 2015’s Stalked By My Doctor, a movie that spawned a franchise and solidified Eric Roberts as the king of deliciously deranged villains.
Promotional poster for "Stalked By My Doctor" movie featuring Eric Roberts as Dr. Albert Beck, a renowned heart surgeon and deranged stalker.
In Stalked By My Doctor, Roberts embodies Dr. Albert Beck, a respected heart surgeon whose professional demeanor masks a sinister obsession. After treating a young, attractive teenage patient, Dr. Beck’s infatuation spirals into a dangerous stalker scenario. Roberts’ portrayal is legendary, a masterclass in psychotic charm that makes the film utterly compelling.
The original Stalked By My Doctor proved such a hit that Lifetime greenlit two sequels, Stalked By My Doctor: The Return (2016) and Stalked By My Doctor: Patient’s Revenge (2018), each bringing Roberts back to reprise his iconic role. The audience demand was clear: more Dr. Beck, please.
Low-budget movie poster for "Stalked By My Doctor: The Return" sequel, highlighting the stalker doctor theme.
And Lifetime listened. In 2019, they unleashed Stalked By My Doctor: A Sleepwalker’s Nightmare, proving that when you have a winning formula, you stick with it. This fourth installment in the series takes the stalker doctor premise into even more bizarre and thrilling territory.
Sleepwalking into Danger with Dr. Beck
Stalked By My Doctor: A Sleepwalker’s Nightmare delves into the world of somnambulism, or sleepwalking, adding a new layer of suspense to the already twisted narrative. Michelle (Emilie Ullerup), a beautiful woman in her thirties, experiences a public sleepwalking episode at a wedding, culminating in an unexpected kiss with the groom. The embarrassing incident goes viral, and Michelle’s boss urges her to seek professional help.
Actress Emilie Ullerup portraying Michelle, the sleepwalking patient in "Stalked By My Doctor: A Sleepwalker's Nightmare", looking concerned.
This sets the stage for the return of the infamous Dr. Albert Beck (Eric Roberts). Now a fugitive, Dr. Beck is working incognito at a diner in the Southwest, still consumed by his dark fantasies. Fate intervenes when he learns of a sleep study expert heading to New Mexico for a new position. Seizing a sinister opportunity, Dr. Beck murders the doctor and assumes his identity, becoming “Dr. Tanner.”
At the New Mexico Sleep Study Center (NMSSC), Dr. Beck, now masquerading as Dr. Tanner, encounters Dr. Newman, played by horror icon Felissa Rose of Sleepaway Camp fame. This casting choice alone adds a wink to the horror-savvy audience.
Actress Felissa Rose, known from "Sleepaway Camp", portraying Dr. Newman, a colleague of Dr. Beck in "Stalked By My Doctor: A Sleepwalker's Nightmare".
But the real object of Dr. Beck’s interest arrives as his first patient: Michelle, the sleepwalking bride-to-be from the wedding mishap. Sensing a new victim, Dr. Beck diagnoses Michelle with “sexsomnia,” a condition involving sexual activity during sleep, claiming she is unaware of her nocturnal actions. This fabricated diagnosis provides Dr. Beck the perfect pretext to manipulate and exploit Michelle under the guise of medical treatment.
Eric Roberts as Dr. Beck in "Stalked By My Doctor: A Sleepwalker's Nightmare", exhibiting a sinister smile and manipulative demeanor towards his patient.
The Dueling Personalities of a Deranged Doctor
Dr. Beck’s descent into madness is further emphasized by the introduction of his imaginary alter ego. “Laid Back Beck,” as he’s referred to, is a manifestation of Dr. Beck’s id, dressed in Hawaiian shirts and a porkpie hat, offering twisted advice and taunting the “real” Dr. Beck. These scenes of “dueling Roberts” are bizarrely entertaining, showcasing the actor’s commitment to the role and adding a layer of dark humor to the film.
Scene from "Stalked By My Doctor: A Sleepwalker's Nightmare" showcasing Eric Roberts in dual roles, as Dr. Beck and his "Laid Back Beck" alter ego.
Roberts excels at portraying Dr. Beck’s unsettling creepiness. His stalking scenes outside Michelle’s house, peering through windows, build tension and highlight the character’s predatory nature. The film takes another turn when Dr. Beck sets his sights on Michelle’s even younger and equally attractive niece, Katie (Angeline Appel), who also conveniently suffers from a sleep disorder. This development escalates Dr. Beck’s depravity and reinforces his pattern of targeting vulnerable young women. His ultimate goal, as established in the previous Stalked By My Doctor movies, is to brainwash a young woman into loving him, a terrifyingly twisted fantasy.
Suspicion and a Staircase Incident
Michelle’s initial trust in Dr. Beck eventually erodes as she grows suspicious of his methods, especially concerning her niece Katie. Dr. Newman, too, begins to question Dr. Beck’s credentials and behavior, initiating her own investigation. However, in a Stalked By My Doctor movie, asking too many questions about the titular doctor is a dangerous game. Those who get too close to the truth often meet with unfortunate accidents, and Dr. Newman’s inquiries put her squarely in harm’s way, culminating in a classic Lifetime thriller “accident.”
Eric Roberts as Dr. Beck in "Stalked By My Doctor: A Sleepwalker's Nightmare", in a menacing pose, suggesting the dangerous nature of the character.
Eric Roberts’ performance is the undeniable highlight of Stalked By My Doctor: A Sleepwalker’s Nightmare. He throws himself into the role with gusto, delivering a performance that is both unsettling and captivating. Whether in big-budget action films or made-for-TV thrillers, Roberts always commits fully, making bold choices and creating memorable characters. In a lesser actor’s hands, Stalked By My Doctor: A Sleepwalker’s Nightmare could easily have been forgettable schlock. But with Eric Roberts at the helm, it becomes a batshit crazy, yet thoroughly entertaining, ride.
Final Verdict: Is Stalked By My Doctor: A Sleepwalker’s Nightmare Worth Watching?
If you’re a fan of Lifetime thrillers, enjoy over-the-top performances, and appreciate a healthy dose of camp, then Stalked By My Doctor: A Sleepwalker’s Nightmare is definitely worth your time. Eric Roberts’ portrayal of the stalker doctor is worth the price of admission alone. Just remember to suspend your disbelief and enjoy the ride. As always, this doctor (not Dr. Beck!) recommends watching with a healthy dose of skepticism and a sense of humor.
