A Killer Awakes in Sleeper: A Movie Review

*full disclosure: a DVD screener of this film was provided by Gravitas Ventures.

Tagline: "He's on the loose and kills by night."

Director/writer: Dru Brown.

Sleeper is an indie horror film from relative newcomer Dru Brown. The film stars, notably, Raven aka Scott Levy. Many may recognize Levy from his years of wrestling on amateur and pro wrestling circuits. He often appeared as a nihilistic sychophant in his many television appearances. In Sleeper, he does not have to change much. Raven appears as Resnick; he is a man with knowledge of murder. Many of the characters find out about his abilities the hard way. And while the film focuses on Raven and some university students, at the film's heart is a story of manipulation and betrayal. Maybe Resnick's victims deserved their bloody ends.

This reviewer enjoyed watching this film as the villain, Resnick, is often foreboding. His legend grows with tales of slaughter in prison. He likes to attack at night and Resnick is missing his tongue from self-mutiliation. Understandably, then, he has no lines. And no one could play Resnick any better than Levy. He has a physical presence learned from years on the wrestling circuit. His stunts are performed without a double and all of the action is brutal thanks to Levy's ability to sell the action. But, what of the story?

Here, plot holes and problems begin to develop. Although the early scenes are on target, later scenes are unexplained and double-crossings are simply confusing. At its center, Sleeper is a demented love story between Resnick and Kelly (Kym Jackson). However, this is a one-sided affair. Some of the major plot details will be kept in the dark. Yet, Resnick is ever searching for Kelly. Those who get in the way are sure to find themselves 6' under in no time.

The story is a violent one, but one of better film elements within Sleeper are the many diverse settings. Shrouded in darkness, salvage yards, safehouses, a police station and university grounds keep the visual sphere ever changing. Many of the scenes are shot initially in light. As the movie progresses, there are more and more night shoots. This creates some foreboding as Resnick goes about his murderous work.

There are other elements of note. The many action scenes have been touched upon and the acting across the board is well done. Then, there are some drawbacks. The ending is left unexplained. Supposedly, there are some letters that explain everything, but they are unreadable to the audience. As well, music is mostly absent from the film, which is a shame. And the story is predictable. There are two groups of characters early in the film: one is Resnick and the other involves seven to eight university students. Viewers will know that Resnick will clash with these happy go-lucky classmates by the end of the film. You can see the looming conflict a mile away.

The Sleeper has recently released on Video-on-demand through Gravitas Ventures. There is also a looming DVD release June 26th. Overall, this film fan liked this outing and others will too. The ending is a little vague, but the many action scenes make up for some of the deficiencies. Levy was a good choice for the villain and this reviewer would like to see this former wrestler in future roles. His glaring mug will make most quiver in their boots.

Overall: 7 out of 10 (the story is not fleshed enough, a multi-dimensional villain, predictable).

*filmed in Australia.

This film is available on the formats found below:

Gravitas Ventures' Partners

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