Julia Roberts’ psychological thriller Sleeping with the Enemy, long considered one of her most underrated films, will finally be available for streaming on Hulu starting February 1. After years of being accessible only through rental or purchase on platforms like YouTube TV and Apple TV, the 1991 movie is set to reach a wider audience through this new digital home.
The Return of a 1991 Thriller to Streaming Platforms
Fans of Julia Roberts can look forward to streaming Sleeping with the Enemy on Hulu next month, joining a roster of fresh titles becoming available, including Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes and a special new episode of The Muppet Show featuring Sabrina Carpenter. This marks a significant change for the movie, which had remained absent from subscription streaming for years despite its strong following.
The Story and Characters That Define the Film
Sleeping with the Enemy stands apart from Julia Roberts’ usual romantic comedies and dramas by plunging into psychological thriller territory. Roberts plays Laura Burney, also known as Sara Walters, a woman who fakes her own death to escape her abusive husband, Martin Burney. After reinventing herself and settling into a quiet life, Laura falls in love again with Ben Woodward, a local schoolteacher portrayed by Kevin Anderson. However, her past catches up with her when Martin tracks her down, forcing Laura to fight to protect her newfound freedom and happiness.
Initial Critical Response and Audience Reactions
Upon its 1991 release, Sleeping with the Enemy received largely negative reviews. Critics found the plot to be full of clichés reminiscent of other psychological thrillers, leading to an overall poor reception. The movie currently holds only a 24% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting mostly unfavorable critiques. Despite this, audience opinions have consistently differed, as the film’s suspense and Roberts’ performance resonated more positively with viewers over time.
Box Office Success Despite Mixed Reviews
Although critics were unimpressed, Sleeping with the Enemy was a major financial success. Produced on a modest budget of around $19 million, the film grossed approximately $175 million at the box office. This strong commercial performance demonstrated the public’s interest in the story and Roberts’ role, helping the movie maintain a lasting presence in popular culture.
How Perspectives on the Film Have Evolved Over Time
More than three decades later, Sleeping with the Enemy invites reconsideration. While some narrative elements remain predictable, the film succeeds in keeping viewers engaged throughout. Julia Roberts delivers a commanding portrayal that elevates Laura Burney from a potentially forgettable character to a memorable protagonist. Audience ratings reflect this sentiment, with the Rotten Tomatoes Popcornmeter showing a more favorable 60% approval among viewers, a stark contrast to critics’ opinions.
This split between critics and audiences may explain why the film has not faded completely from public memory. Even if it isn’t among Roberts’ most widely recognized films, it holds a unique place in her career and in the psychological thriller genre, maintaining cultural relevance for over 30 years.
Remake Prospects and Continued Interest
In 2019, news surfaced about a planned remake of Sleeping with the Enemy, with director Nia DeCosta—known for The Marvels and 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple—attached to the project. Details remain scarce, and the Disney-Fox merger that same year may have complicated development. No official cancellation has been declared, so the possibility of a reboot remains open.
Meanwhile, audiences can revisit the original film when it becomes available for streaming on Hulu starting February 1, providing a fresh opportunity to experience Roberts’ compelling performance in the psychological thriller.
Key Cast Members of Sleeping with the Enemy
The film features Julia Roberts in the lead role of Laura Burney/Sara Walters. Patrick Bergin plays Martin Burney, the menacing ex-husband, while Kevin Anderson portrays Ben Woodward, the schoolteacher who offers Laura a chance at a new life. Supporting roles include Elizabeth Lawrence as Chloe Williams, adding depth to the film’s ensemble.
