"The Sleeping Room" is the type of film for which I honestly regret only being able to give a mediocre rating 5/10. Not out of malice or just to be different, but because it sadly doesn't deserve any better. The basic plot idea is good and original, the filming locations and set-pieces are terrific and it does contain a handful genuine moments of fright, but overall speaking the film doesn't have a proper pacing and the screenplay severely lacks coherence and logic (particularly towards the ending). I specifically regret my rather low rating because I absolutely love British horror movies set in the Victorian era or referring to the Victorian era, and because director/co-writer John Shackleton is a very sympathetic guy! He was present at the Brussels Festival of Fantastic Films and explained that the inspiration for "The Sleeping Room" came almost spontaneously when he was walking around in Brighton and witnessed the entire authentically creepy Victorian legacy. He's definitely right about that! Whilst renovating an old Victorian brothel, the timed handyman Bill and the troubled prostitute Blue find an antique movie projector that shows an unorthodox little home video made by the original brother owner Fiskin. When exploring the mansion further, because sex didn't work out anyway, they find more sinister things like a double-sized mirror and a secret sleeping room, which was used by the prostitutes to rest in between shifts and where the pioneer snuff-movies where shot. Blue discovers there's a blood link with her own macabre family history, while Bill gradually gets absorbed by the powerful influence of Fiskin's ghost. Oh, and in the meantime they also have to fight off Blue's loathsome pimp Freddie! The mystery Fiskin mansion truly had me captivated and focused, even though it unfolds terribly slow, but then suddenly everything nearly gets ruined because the script reverts to dreadful clichés, like shape-shifting and hallucinations. The primitive snuff footage is unsettling and the killer wears a horrifying mask (although it's just a simple cloth bag, like Jason Vorhees wore in "Friday the 13th Part II") and I counted two or three noteworthy "jump"-moments, but still "The Sleeping Room" left me behind unsatisfied and slightly disappointed. The acting performances are more than adequate, with a strong performance of the ravishing Leila Mimmack and a joyously sleazy part for David Sibley.
20 Reviews
I wanted to like it
katekap7 November 2018
Leila's performance was convincing. The premise was promising. The script was doleful. The plot got completely and utterly lost.
The penultimate scene on the beach made absolutely no sense whatsoever.
Amateurish at best.
Slow-burning horror that doesn't quite live up to its potential
grantss8 April 2021
A horror movie that for most of its duration didn't feel like a horror movie. The tension builds slowly, almost to the point of boredom, but there's always enough to keep you intrigued. At a point it ratchets up into horror mode but unfortunately doesn't really reward you for your patience. Ultimately quite disappointing.
It's half bad and half good
mgtrock6 May 2021
The idea behind this film has real promise to be a good movie. Some of the pieces that show the past were excellently done and some of the acting was quite believable.
Sadly these good parts are let down by a bad script for most of the film, bad acting from key members of the past and direction/photography that is more suited to a soap opera.
Id like to see this remade with a more experienced team on board and a script rewrite.
Sadly these good parts are let down by a bad script for most of the film, bad acting from key members of the past and direction/photography that is more suited to a soap opera.
Id like to see this remade with a more experienced team on board and a script rewrite.
It will put you to sleep alright...
paul_haakonsen7 April 2021
Well, I suppose the movie's title, "The Sleeping Room", is a clear indicator of what this movie will do to you. It is so unfathomably boring that its pacing will put you to sleep.
I tried to suffer through the ordeal that is the 2014 horror movie "The Sleeping Room", but I just had to give up on it. The movie's storyline was anything but interesting, and the pacing of the movie was so atrociously slow that you could leave the movie, come back 15 minutes later and still be up to speed with current events in the movie.
The character gallery in "The Sleeping Room" was every bit as monotonous and pointless as the storyline was; a fact that hardly helped to carry the movie or make it even remotely watchable or interesting.
I have to admit that I am a bit astounded that three writers - Alex Chandon, Ross Jameson and John Shackleton - could collectively manage to write something this abysmal and fully devoid of anything entertaining or interesting.
The acting in the movie is adequate, I suppose. I wasn't familiar with anyone here though, but the fact that the actresses and actors had virtually nothing to work with in terms of script, storyline and characters, made for some very forgettable performances, though that was not the performers fault.
"The Sleeping Room" was a boring movie experience; one that I couldn't even make it halfway through, and one that I am never ever going to return to watch the rest of. This movie simply wasn't worth the time, money or effort.
As for this being a horror movie, yeah, that's a big no. If you enjoy horror movie, you should find something else to watch. Trust me.
My rating of "The Sleeping Room" lands on generous two out of ten stars, based solely on the production value of the movie.
I tried to suffer through the ordeal that is the 2014 horror movie "The Sleeping Room", but I just had to give up on it. The movie's storyline was anything but interesting, and the pacing of the movie was so atrociously slow that you could leave the movie, come back 15 minutes later and still be up to speed with current events in the movie.
The character gallery in "The Sleeping Room" was every bit as monotonous and pointless as the storyline was; a fact that hardly helped to carry the movie or make it even remotely watchable or interesting.
I have to admit that I am a bit astounded that three writers - Alex Chandon, Ross Jameson and John Shackleton - could collectively manage to write something this abysmal and fully devoid of anything entertaining or interesting.
The acting in the movie is adequate, I suppose. I wasn't familiar with anyone here though, but the fact that the actresses and actors had virtually nothing to work with in terms of script, storyline and characters, made for some very forgettable performances, though that was not the performers fault.
"The Sleeping Room" was a boring movie experience; one that I couldn't even make it halfway through, and one that I am never ever going to return to watch the rest of. This movie simply wasn't worth the time, money or effort.
As for this being a horror movie, yeah, that's a big no. If you enjoy horror movie, you should find something else to watch. Trust me.
My rating of "The Sleeping Room" lands on generous two out of ten stars, based solely on the production value of the movie.
Some Terrible Acting.
carlospresents2 September 2023
I've never acted, it can't be easy. Watch out for the mechanic in this. Perhaps the worst actor I've ever seen. How do people get jobs like that? It's inspiring really. He must've been paid for that. There's some other klonkers in here too. Her boss could do with a bit of work. The chap she's after seems like he should be a much better actor, he's got the looks but is just a plank. The main character, she's good, she holds it together.
The film has a good, depressing, repressed feel. Story doesn't really get going. Some of it just didn't make sense to me, like the initial parlour trick? Eh? Anyhow, you get to see a bit of Brighton. It's good there.
The film has a good, depressing, repressed feel. Story doesn't really get going. Some of it just didn't make sense to me, like the initial parlour trick? Eh? Anyhow, you get to see a bit of Brighton. It's good there.
Started alright but lost its way
bazookamouth-221-8980975 May 2021
Positives: The lead girl (Blue). I thought she acted very well and had some likeability and charisma. She reminded me of Joanne Froggatt the English actress. The pimp boss Freddie. He was suitably vile and a horrible character. It worked. You believe he is. Film at best when he is around. The scenes around Brighton seafront and the Victorian house and ghosts. All sinister enough. That device that played the old snuff movies.
Negatives: Bill. He was awful. Terrible actor. Using a call girl, then he is impotent. Stupid part. Another actor was needed. Useless. Cynthia (Julie Graham) the only actor from the film I had seen previously. She was just bad in this movie. Her face didnt fit the role. The movies last 30 minutes were didnt make to much sense and it did lose the plot. Also for a 75 minute movie it tended to drag. A bit. Many glances at watch.
Overall: The lead girl (Leila Mimmack) has a big future. Seven years have passed and it seems she works constantly. Great setting but not really that absorbing and more confusing than logical.
Negatives: Bill. He was awful. Terrible actor. Using a call girl, then he is impotent. Stupid part. Another actor was needed. Useless. Cynthia (Julie Graham) the only actor from the film I had seen previously. She was just bad in this movie. Her face didnt fit the role. The movies last 30 minutes were didnt make to much sense and it did lose the plot. Also for a 75 minute movie it tended to drag. A bit. Many glances at watch.
Overall: The lead girl (Leila Mimmack) has a big future. Seven years have passed and it seems she works constantly. Great setting but not really that absorbing and more confusing than logical.
Quite good really
katzcrazy198421 November 2015
Warning: Spoilers
It took me a long time to find this movie and as it started, I considered turning it off. It seemed very poorly made and the characters grated me. As I gave it a second chance, it did not need a third. The story is simple but effective and you start really caring about Blue and all that is happening to her. There was no twist, so don't look for one. It was highly enjoyable and the characters became more full as it went. Not so much development, just stronger. The story was that of a camp fire tale,in my mind that went directly without any twists, turns or red herrings. I enjoyed this film but won't watch it again.
Well scripted and good story plot.
rukun-158-5475012 November 2014
I believe this movie was very well received at Frighfest and can be seen why. It was well scripted and camera play was very good. The direction of the movie, looking into taboos and delving in the past and how it could affect the future was an interesting concept.
Action sequences were good and Christopher Adamson was a delight (as always) to see as Fiskin. The film can quite easily be followed but will get you wondering as to what will happen next throughout the movie which is a real plus since its quite easy for me to predict how the movie will turn out and i was pleasantly surprised with this movie
This movie could hugely benefit with a much bigger budget which could bring out an even terrifying experience. Nonetheless a very well directed movie and its great to see our independent movie production companies like Movie Mogul coming to the foray.
Action sequences were good and Christopher Adamson was a delight (as always) to see as Fiskin. The film can quite easily be followed but will get you wondering as to what will happen next throughout the movie which is a real plus since its quite easy for me to predict how the movie will turn out and i was pleasantly surprised with this movie
This movie could hugely benefit with a much bigger budget which could bring out an even terrifying experience. Nonetheless a very well directed movie and its great to see our independent movie production companies like Movie Mogul coming to the foray.
I almost fell asleep waiting for the horror
trashgang17 July 2015
I only picked it up because Alex Chandon wrote this horror, and I knew him as a director of Inbred (2011) and Cradle Of Fear (2001), two nasty British horrors.
This is a slow starter, you really have to wait until the last part before things really go wrong but for me it was a bit too late. I was waiting and waiting to see the horror coming in sadly it didn't until as I said the end and even that wasn't gory like i expected from Chandon.
Clocking in under 80 minutes was a good choice because it didn't became a boring flick. And i must say that it was well shot and the acting was okay too but the script kept is in a waiting line to really see some action. To bad.
Gore 0,5/5 Nudity 0/5 Effects 2/5 Story 2,5/5 Comedy 0/5
This is a slow starter, you really have to wait until the last part before things really go wrong but for me it was a bit too late. I was waiting and waiting to see the horror coming in sadly it didn't until as I said the end and even that wasn't gory like i expected from Chandon.
Clocking in under 80 minutes was a good choice because it didn't became a boring flick. And i must say that it was well shot and the acting was okay too but the script kept is in a waiting line to really see some action. To bad.
Gore 0,5/5 Nudity 0/5 Effects 2/5 Story 2,5/5 Comedy 0/5
The Sleeping Room
parry_na12 July 2015
Warning: Spoilers
To me, an out-of-season sea-front is an ideal place for horror stories. Ever since MR James' 'Oh, Whistle, And I'll Come To You, My Lad' perceived such a location as an isolated, ghostly, shunned arena for supernatural phenomena, it has amazed me the location hasn't been utilised a lot more within this genre.
'The Sleeping Room' makes excellent use of Brighton sea-front for such a premise, for both interiors and exteriors. The retro tackiness of some of the decor in various rooms conveys a nice suggestion of timelessness into which this somewhat standard story is set.
Of the cast, Joseph Beattie as Bill really impresses, transforming from being shy and slightly awkward, into a 'The Shining'-style lunatic with great skill. Sadly, there is an occasionally lacklustre performance from scratchy voiced Leila Mimmack as Blue, who nevertheless comes to life in moments of tension. Julie Graham, David Sibley and Chris Waller provide excellent support.
The secret room in Bill's new apartment carries ghostly remembrances of 'Frisky' Fiskin, a terrifying perverted murderer. It's a fairly routine story given extra flourish by the director. It rushes through the events somewhat, leaving little time to dwell on the threat – especially during the climactic events.
'The Sleeping Room' makes excellent use of Brighton sea-front for such a premise, for both interiors and exteriors. The retro tackiness of some of the decor in various rooms conveys a nice suggestion of timelessness into which this somewhat standard story is set.
Of the cast, Joseph Beattie as Bill really impresses, transforming from being shy and slightly awkward, into a 'The Shining'-style lunatic with great skill. Sadly, there is an occasionally lacklustre performance from scratchy voiced Leila Mimmack as Blue, who nevertheless comes to life in moments of tension. Julie Graham, David Sibley and Chris Waller provide excellent support.
The secret room in Bill's new apartment carries ghostly remembrances of 'Frisky' Fiskin, a terrifying perverted murderer. It's a fairly routine story given extra flourish by the director. It rushes through the events somewhat, leaving little time to dwell on the threat – especially during the climactic events.
Excellent fast-paced thriller
simon-113-79095221 September 2014
This is a masterpiece in independent film making. The Sleeping Room is exquisitely fast paced and takes viewers through a Hammer-style plot thickly laden with mystery. Set in Brighton, Blue is an escort who gets more than she bargains for when she arrives at the home of her client Bill who is doing up a house. Together they discover something in the house that sets the story from sleaze to screams! For those that like deep character development, you might be disappointed, but if you like a well written story with imaginative use of narrative and effects that frequently creeps you out, then this is for you. The use of sound is chilling. Great acting, and a brilliant example of directing by John Shackleton, despite this being his first feature film.
Excellent movie
venuslove10618 October 2019
This is a very steadily building thriller that has some great twists in it. Plus, to be honest, it's nice to not watch a movie like this set in an empty insane asylum or a cabin in the woods!
Anyway, I found myself definitely rooting for the "good" people and against the "bad". It is a worthwhile story!
Anyway, I found myself definitely rooting for the "good" people and against the "bad". It is a worthwhile story!
British spookiness in offseason Brighton
szweda-185557 November 2023
For some unaccountable reason I like films about Brighton. This is in part why I gave this one another point or two. The story is sufficiently intriguing to keep your interest but like other reviews point out the end result is confusing and a bit unsatisfying. That said, it is better than too many other horror movies I have watched. At least I saw this one through to the bitter end... or was it?
Everyone involved on camera does a good job if not exceptional but they did their best with what they had... The photography is lovely to create the mood though most of the action is on a stage set I think. The score fits well and the film is for a change not too long.
As an aside you feel that the creators could not resist a couple of homages... look out for a variant from The Shining... and maybe Elephant Man... Also be aware as if it needs saying there are some violent scenes and especially against women but overall it is lower on the gore count which I think counts in its favour. The nudity is mild and swearing flows in an unaffected manner as befitting the context...
Everyone involved on camera does a good job if not exceptional but they did their best with what they had... The photography is lovely to create the mood though most of the action is on a stage set I think. The score fits well and the film is for a change not too long.
As an aside you feel that the creators could not resist a couple of homages... look out for a variant from The Shining... and maybe Elephant Man... Also be aware as if it needs saying there are some violent scenes and especially against women but overall it is lower on the gore count which I think counts in its favour. The nudity is mild and swearing flows in an unaffected manner as befitting the context...
Cool film
epiceffectss19 June 2015
Wow only three reviews , don't know if this is new or just unpopular , anyway it floated my horror boat. What I like about this film 1. The main girl who's the lead , v attractive and a good actress. 2. The script and plot are good. 3. Camera work good and it looks all stylish. I was looking tonight for a horror and after flicking some rubbish USA ones on then off I came across this one , yes for indie UK horror , we are just plain better story tellers than the USA when it comes to this stuff. Films pacing is good and the cast are good , story was good and would've been excellent if it had gone up a notch towards the last twenty mins. If they could've found an extra spin or perhaps just told the story a little better in that last twenty mins then it would've been really good. As it was , it was very good. I liked the loner guy , I can relate to him. I like the call girl and would ring her myself for an hour of fun. There were only about six actors in this film and only a handful of locations , which tells me one thing , good actors , good camera work , good script and sub story is everything. A lot of other low budget film makers of horror should watch this as they could learn a lot from it , the film has class , and I guess that's down to the crew who put it all together , I fancy the lead woman so that helped when I watched it. Yep good watch this was , recommend .
Slow burn....
AshersGirl8311 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I liked the plot premise but it could have been executed better.
The film is fairly slow paced until the end where it really picks up the pace. Though she stops the pimp from killing the perp, only to then essentially sign the perps death sentence herself.
One of the things I often enjoy about British films is that the characters are realistic and not glamourised. They dress and speak like every day people you'd actually meet. They swear. They goto the bathroom. They're not scared to be real and human. (I do like American stuff but it's oftimes white washed with that Hollywood shine, even if it's trying to be gritty - side note, are Americans actually LIKE that?!)
Anyway, it was a good effort. I enjoyed the film though the ending didn't make sense to me and I think they could've embellished more on the backstory and tied some more loose ends up. The side plot of her mothers murder suicide didn't really get explained or properly linked in to the main plot.
The film is fairly slow paced until the end where it really picks up the pace. Though she stops the pimp from killing the perp, only to then essentially sign the perps death sentence herself.
One of the things I often enjoy about British films is that the characters are realistic and not glamourised. They dress and speak like every day people you'd actually meet. They swear. They goto the bathroom. They're not scared to be real and human. (I do like American stuff but it's oftimes white washed with that Hollywood shine, even if it's trying to be gritty - side note, are Americans actually LIKE that?!)
Anyway, it was a good effort. I enjoyed the film though the ending didn't make sense to me and I think they could've embellished more on the backstory and tied some more loose ends up. The side plot of her mothers murder suicide didn't really get explained or properly linked in to the main plot.
I Can Smell Your Fear, Little Girl!
jimcarter19595 January 2020
If you're looking for a splatter fest or a lot of computer aided special effects, then skip this one. This is a mystery/horror film and I've used those genres in the proper order. The plot is a different concept that any I've seen before. The actors are more than capable and the story held my interest. It's a relatively short film and I found myself intrigued throughout. I even learned a thing or two.
Great British Horror
ladymidath7 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I don't understand why there were so many negative reviews for this film. I thought it was well paced, beautifully shot and well acted. The lead, Leila Mimmack who played Blue, a young prostitute was excellent in the role. As well as Joseph Beattie who played Bill, a client who is renovating an old house that had once been a brothel. Chris Waller who played Glenny, her close friend and. David Sibley, Freddie her vile pimp and. Julie Graham who played Cynthia. Christopher Adamson who played Fiskin was a standout as the evil brothel owner who made snuff films for the titillation of his clientele.
The movie is slower paced, but sets up the story really well. There is not a lot of gore until the end and there are a few jump scares but not enough o make the audience roll their eyes.
I thoroughly enjoyed this old school horror mystery and was glad to see a movie with a strong story rather then the torture porn films that seem to be so popular at the moment.
I would recommend this movie to anyone who does not mind a less violent, slower paced film.
The movie is slower paced, but sets up the story really well. There is not a lot of gore until the end and there are a few jump scares but not enough o make the audience roll their eyes.
I thoroughly enjoyed this old school horror mystery and was glad to see a movie with a strong story rather then the torture porn films that seem to be so popular at the moment.
I would recommend this movie to anyone who does not mind a less violent, slower paced film.
The British do everything better
gary-erwin1 September 2020
Great acting, good plot, classic horror
terrapinjunk31 July 2023
I was taken by surprise by this movie. I was actually looking for a different movie that's been on my mind. Started watching this and couldn't bring myself to back out on it.
In my opinion, the acting was superb and genuine, the general plot line and story were great, some unexpected turns. I can't leave out that there may be a smidge of cheesiness, but easy enough to overlook should you be familiar and open with such elements. I felt a connection with the characters and some events even made me question my own feelings about them. Very good (instant?) classic horror, though some may disagree. The Sleeping Room. I would definitely watch it again!
In my opinion, the acting was superb and genuine, the general plot line and story were great, some unexpected turns. I can't leave out that there may be a smidge of cheesiness, but easy enough to overlook should you be familiar and open with such elements. I felt a connection with the characters and some events even made me question my own feelings about them. Very good (instant?) classic horror, though some may disagree. The Sleeping Room. I would definitely watch it again!
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