The Sleeper

The Sleeper is an independent horror film released in 2007 directed by Justin Russell. The film boasts a cast of relative unknowns including Lucian McAfee, Cotter Smith, and Mark Metcalf, but what it lacks in star power makes up for in its suspenseful plot and engrossing storyline.

Set in the 1980s, the film takes place in a small town in Pennsylvania where a reporter named John (played by McAfee) is investigating a string of murders that have been plaguing the town for years. As he delves deeper into the case, he discovers that the murders are all linked to a mysterious figure known only as "The Sleeper" who has been killing off members of a high school football team that won a championship nearly a decade ago.

John is aided in his investigation by a local detective named Detective Saxon (played by Cotter Smith) who has been trying to solve the case for years. Despite their best efforts, they are unable to catch the elusive killer, and the body count continues to rise. As John interviews more and more people in the town, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies that eventually leads him to the identity of The Sleeper.

The film is full of suspenseful moments and jump scares and is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Director Justin Russell does a great job of building tension and giving the audience just enough information to keep them guessing. The pacing of the film is slow at times, but it only serves to make the climactic final act all the more satisfying.

One of the standout performances in the film comes from Cotter Smith who plays Detective Saxon. He brings a gravitas and world-weariness to the role that makes him a believable and sympathetic character. Lucian McAfee, who plays John, is solid in his role as the investigative reporter but doesn't quite have the same level of intensity as Smith.

Mark Metcalf, who plays the high school football coach, also delivers a great performance. He is a magnetic presence onscreen and is able to convey a lot of emotion and depth in his performance despite having relatively little screen time.

The film's biggest weakness is its low budget. The special effects are not always convincing, and some of the practical effects look a bit cheesy. However, the film more than makes up for this with its strong writing, effective use of sound design, and moody cinematography.

Overall, The Sleeper is a solid horror film that is sure to satisfy fans of the genre. While it may not have the biggest names in the industry, it more than makes up for it with its suspenseful plot, great performances, and effective use of scares. If you're looking for a good old-fashioned horror flick to watch on a dark and stormy night, you could do a lot worse than The Sleeper.