An elderly woman takes her new friend from the rest home to a seance right before Christmas, unaware that the friend and the woman conducting the seance have a past unpleasant relationship. This accidental meeting of the two elderly women sparks a series of events that will lead to tragedy for several people (including themselves). I would say this is two thirds of a successful film. Eileen Atkinson is excellent as the sociopathic medium with a dark past she will do anything to hide and a daughter-in-law she will do anything to undermine. Elizabeth Spriggs is also good as the sad woman whose life was ruined by Atkins. Rounding out the trio of older women is Anna Massey whose warmth and humor lighten the grim events that play out on the rainy mucky farm belonging to Atkins' character's son (a young Ciarin Hinds). However, I found the final third of the film unsatisfying primarily due to a surprise twist ( and it is a surprise) that raises more questions than it answers and feels a bit artificial. I won't say what it is but you'll understand why Massey's character expresses her gratitude to NOT have a family to spend Christmas with.
2 Reviews
Old sins cast long shadows.
Sleepin_Dragon8 October 2020
If you commit a heinous crime in your childhood, does it ever leave you, or does it haunt you forever?
The Sleeper was a two part drama that went out over Christmas back in 2000.
Back when the BBC made a big thing of the Christmas drama, aware that not everyone loves soaps. The Sleeper was a cracker.
It's a ghost story, a chilling take for the festive season, which featured a wonderful, predominantly mature cast. A trio of glorious actresses, Elizabeth Spriggs, Anna Massey and of course a terrifying Dame Eileen Atkins. Throw in George Cole, and you really have a marvellous setup.
Slightly obvious casting with the girls, Michelle Collins and Anabelle Apsion were both good, but Collins was always the attractive femme fatale, Apsion always a frump, and she was far from it.
It's always surprised me that this has never had a commercial release, it definitely did deserve one.
Well remembered, for the story, acting, slurry scenes and ending.
A Classic Christmas Chiller. 9/10.
The Sleeper was a two part drama that went out over Christmas back in 2000.
Back when the BBC made a big thing of the Christmas drama, aware that not everyone loves soaps. The Sleeper was a cracker.
It's a ghost story, a chilling take for the festive season, which featured a wonderful, predominantly mature cast. A trio of glorious actresses, Elizabeth Spriggs, Anna Massey and of course a terrifying Dame Eileen Atkins. Throw in George Cole, and you really have a marvellous setup.
Slightly obvious casting with the girls, Michelle Collins and Anabelle Apsion were both good, but Collins was always the attractive femme fatale, Apsion always a frump, and she was far from it.
It's always surprised me that this has never had a commercial release, it definitely did deserve one.
Well remembered, for the story, acting, slurry scenes and ending.
A Classic Christmas Chiller. 9/10.
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