The story follows Detective Will Dormer (Al Pacino), a seasoned investigator from Los Angeles, who is sent to a small Alaskan town to assist in solving the murder of a local teenage girl. Accompanied by his partner, Detective Hap Eckhart (Martin Donovan), Dormer arrives in the remote town of Nightmute, where the sun never sets during the summer months.
As Dormer and Eckhart delve into the investigation, they encounter numerous challenges, including the harsh Alaskan environment and the tight-knit community’s reluctance to cooperate with outsiders. Tensions rise as the detectives struggle to make progress in the case, and Dormer becomes increasingly frustrated by Eckhart’s questionable methods.
Amidst the pressure of the investigation, Dormer grapples with his own personal demons, including a past mistake that haunts him. He is plagued by insomnia, exacerbated by the perpetual daylight of the Alaskan summer, which begins to take a toll on his mental and physical well-being.
Dormer’s mental state deteriorates further when a tragic accident occurs during a pursuit in the foggy wilderness, resulting in Eckhart’s death. Fearing the consequences of his actions and desperate to cover up his involvement in the incident, Dormer fabricates evidence to frame the murder suspect, a local writer named Walter Finch (Robin Williams).
As Dormer’s guilt and paranoia intensify, he finds himself drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with Finch, who knows more about Dormer’s involvement in the accident than he lets on. The lines between truth and deception blur as Dormer struggles to maintain his grip on reality while pursuing the elusive killer.
In a gripping climax, Dormer confronts Finch in a tense showdown amidst the fog-covered landscape, leading to a deadly struggle between the two men. In the end, Dormer emerges victorious, but at a heavy cost, as he grapples with the consequences of his actions and the moral ambiguity of his choices.
The film concludes with Dormer returning to Los Angeles, haunted by the events in Nightmute and the ethical compromises he made in the pursuit of justice. As he boards the plane home, the perpetual sunlight of Alaska follows him, serving as a reminder of the darkness that lurks within.
“Insomnia” is a riveting and atmospheric thriller that delves into the complexities of the human psyche and the consequences of unchecked guilt and obsession. Through its compelling narrative and masterful direction, the film keeps viewers on the edge of their seats while exploring profound themes of morality, redemption, and the fragility of the human condition.