The Sleeping Dictionary

The Sleeping Dictionary (2003) is a colonial romance drama you can watch online on iFILM. Directed by Guy Jenkin, the British-German-American production sends young British officer John Truscott deep into 1930s Malayan jungle to bring Western ways to an Iban village.

Local custom pairs him with Selima — a woman whose job is to share his bed and teach him the language and rituals of her people. What neither of them planned on was falling in love. The match troubles everyone: colonial administrators want no native entanglements, and the village elders want no part of an Englishman claiming one of their own. Jessica Alba plays Selima, Hugh Dancy is John; Bob Hoskins and Brenda Blethyn round out the cast in supporting roles. A year on, John returns from England with an English wife in tow — and the past he thought he'd outrun is still waiting.

Stream The Sleeping Dictionary (2003) in full on iFILM.