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The Sleepover
The Sleepover
The Sleepover
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The Sleepover
Official poster
Directed byTrish Sie
Written bySarah Rothschild
Produced by
  • Mickey Liddell
  • Pete Shilaimon
Starring
CinematographyConrad W. Hall
Edited byJonathan Schwartz
Music byGermaine Franco
Production
company
Distributed byNetflix
Release date
  • August 21, 2020 (2020-08-21)
Running time
100 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

The Sleepover is a 2020 American action comedy film directed by Trish Sie and written by Sarah Rothschild.[1] The film stars Sadie Stanley, Maxwell Simkins, Ken Marino, Cree Cicchino, Lucas Jaye, Karla Souza, Enuka Okuma, Erik Griffin, Joe Manganiello, and Malin Åkerman. It follows a teenager who discovers her seemingly ordinary mother is a former master thief in witness protection, prompting her and her friends to embark on a rescue mission when her parents are kidnapped by criminals, forcing her mother to pull off one last heist.

The Sleepover was released on August 21, 2020, by Netflix. It received mixed reviews from critics.

Plot

[edit]

In Boston, teenager Clancy Finch is invited by her crush, Travis Schultz, to a party. Her younger brother Kevin is humiliated when older students film him dancing in a school bathroom, but their mother Margot, a strict lunch monitor, intervenes. The video of Kevin dancing and Margot scolding the bullies goes viral, garnering over two million views on YouTube.

After Clancy is grounded for arguing with her parents about attending Travis's party, she and her friend Mim sneak out during a sleepover. Meanwhile, Kevin and his friend Lewis witness two strangers break into the Finch home, force Ron (Clancy and Kevin’s father) at gunpoint, and demand Margot—whom they call “Matilda”—accompany them. Margot agrees and leaves behind a necklace as a clue.

The kids discover a U.S. Marshal named Henry Gibbs sneaking into their home and, assuming he’s an intruder, tie him up. He reveals that Margot is in witness protection, having once turned in a major crime syndicate boss. The viral video exposed her identity.

Following clues Margot left behind, the kids uncover a hidden storage unit that serves as her former spy headquarters. They take a self-driving spy car to Travis’s party, then attempt to reach downtown Boston via Travis’s boat, but are stopped by the Coast Guard. They swim ashore and find Margot’s friend Jay, who helps track Margot’s location to a high-profile gala. The kids escape Jay's watch and head to the event.

At the gala, Margot, Ron, and her ex-fiancé, Leo Bouchot—once presumed to be in witness protection—attempt to steal the Queen of Moldana’s crown. However, Ron accidentally ingests the knockout drug intended for the Queen, causing a scene. The trio is captured but soon escapes. They reunite with the kids at the gala, and all seven flee to Leo’s safe house.

There, it’s revealed that Leo is actually the new head of the syndicate. He and his associate Elise plan to frame the family for the theft. With quick thinking, Ron creates a distraction, Margot overpowers Elise, and they escape. During a final confrontation, Margot kicks the crown out of Leo’s hands, and Clancy catches it. Leo and his crew are arrested by Boston Police.

Back home, life returns to normal. Clancy is allowed to attend a summer music program at Berklee, and the family resumes their lives, now closer and with newfound respect for Margot’s past.

Cast

[edit]
  • Sadie Stanley as Clancy Finch, a young girl who is the daughter of Ron and Margot
  • Maxwell Simkins as Kevin Finch, the brother of Clancy
  • Ken Marino as Ron Finch, an awkward pastry chef who is the father of Clancy and Kevin
  • Cree Cicchino as Mim, a social media-obsessed friend of Clancy and Kevin
  • Lucas Jaye as Lewis, an uptight friend of Kevin
  • Karla Souza as Jay, the best friend of Margot
  • Enuka Okuma as Elise / Dark Figure, a criminal that knows Matilda
  • Erik Griffin as Henry Gibbs, a United States Marshals Agent
  • Joe Manganiello as Leo, Matilda's ex-fiancé who becomes the new leader of the crime syndicate that Matilda was a part of
  • Malin Åkerman as Margot Finch / Matilda, a former thief for a crime syndicate who is in the witness protection program operating as a lunch monitor
  • Harry Aspinwall as Baxter / Pizza Guy, who delivers pizzas
  • Matthew Grimaldi as Travis Schultz, Clancy's love interest
  • Marissa Carpio as Mrs. Patoc
  • Savanna Winter as Emma / Mean Girl
  • Daniel Washington as Head of Security
  • Jasbir Mann as King of Moldana
  • Enku Gubaie as Queen of Moldana

Production

[edit]

In August 2019, it was announced that Malin Åkerman, Ken Marino, Joe Manganiello, Erik Griffin, Karla Souza, Enuka Okuma, Sadie Stanley, Maxwell Simkins, Cree Cicchino, and Lucas Jaye had joined the cast of the film. Trish Sie was confirmed to direct from a screenplay by Sarah Rothschild. The film was produced by LD Entertainment and distributed by Netflix.[2]

Filming

[edit]

Principal photography began in August 2019.[3][4]

Release

[edit]

The Sleepover was released on August 21, 2020, on Netflix.[5]

Reception

[edit]

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, The Sleepover holds an approval rating of 67% based on 21 reviews, with an average rating of 6.2/10. The site's consensus notes the film's lighthearted tone and appeal for younger audiences.[6] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 46 out of 100, based on 9 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews."[7]

Benjamin Lee of The Guardian called the film "a family-friendly farrago of whimsical silliness," likening it to Spy Kids but with “a bit more polish.” He found it "good-hearted and fun," despite its formulaic approach.[8] Christy Lemire of RogerEbert.com gave The Sleepover 2 out of 4 stars, noting that while the film starts with charm and promise, it eventually "descends into lazy plotting and uninspired action sequences."[9] The New York Times referred to The Sleepover as "a patchwork of better films," noting that its central premise is derivative but suggesting its upbeat spirit might still engage younger viewers.[10]

IndieWire’s Kate Erbland called The Sleepover "predictable but energetic," crediting its cast and pacing for making it a passable option for family movie night, despite a lack of originality.[11] The Hollywood Reporter described it as "inoffensive and easily digestible," commending the charisma of the adult leads, particularly Malin Åkerman and Joe Manganiello, though criticizing its overly busy script.[12] New York Post labeled it a "stream it" option, describing The Sleepover as "light, likable, and lively," especially suitable for a younger demographic looking for fast-paced, comedic action.[13]

Common Sense Media praised the film’s family-friendly nature, giving it 3 out of 5 stars and noting its emphasis on teamwork and courage, though it pointed out the presence of mild violence and unrealistic situations.[14] Punch Drunk Critics highlighted its nostalgic vibe, calling it a "good-natured family spy comedy" reminiscent of 1980s adventure films like Adventures in Babysitting (1987), despite familiar tropes and a predictable storyline.[15]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

The Sleepover

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Sleepover is a 2020 American family action comedy film directed by Trish Sie and written by Sarah Rothschild. The movie stars Sadie Stanley as Clancy, Maxwell Simkins as her brother Kevin, Malin Åkerman as their mother Margot, and Ken Marino as their father Ron, alongside supporting roles by Cree Cicchino, Lucas Jaye, and Joe Manganiello. Released directly to streaming on Netflix on August 21, 2020, it follows the siblings and their friends as they uncover Margot's hidden identity as a former master thief in witness protection, leading to a high-stakes mission to rescue her from a forced final heist involving dangerous criminals. The film's plot unfolds during a backyard , blending elements of , humor, and adventure as the young protagonists use ingenuity and to navigate chases, gadgets, and confrontations with antagonists like the crime boss Leo, played by Manganiello. Produced by for , took place in , including locations at High School, giving the story a relatable suburban backdrop. The emphasizes themes of parental secrets, sibling bonds, and youthful bravery. Critically, The Sleepover garnered mixed reception, earning a 67% approval rating from critics on based on 21 reviews, with praise for its energetic pace and family-friendly action but criticism for formulaic storytelling and uneven humor. On , it holds a 5.7 out of 10 rating from over 13,000 users, reflecting its appeal as lighthearted entertainment for preteens and families. The film highlights positive messages about and , making it suitable for audiences aged 10 and up, though it includes mild peril and cartoonish .

Synopsis and cast

Plot

The film centers on siblings Clancy and Kevin Finch, who lead ordinary suburban lives with their parents, Margot and Ron, in the area. A viral video of Kevin dancing exposes Margot's hidden identity, leading armed intruders to kidnap Margot and Ron from their home during the kids' . Before her abduction, Margot leaves a necklace as a clue for her children. Investigating the hint, Clancy and Kevin, joined by Kevin's friend Lewis and Clancy's best friend Mim, discover Margot's concealed past as Matilda, a skilled jewel thief who, fifteen years earlier, stole the Queen of Moldana's crown from her former lover and Leo Bouchot before entering and starting a new life. Ron, unaware of Margot's history until the , becomes an unwitting as Leo's demands she return the crown in exchange for their safety—or face lethal consequences. This revelation shatters the family's facade, forcing Margot to reluctantly revive her thieving skills for a high-stakes job while the children piece together her double life. Determined to rescue their parents, the kids transform the sleepover into an mission, relying on Kevin's inventive gadgets and Clancy's growing resolve to confront her fears. Their journey leads them from local clues to tracking their parents. Interactions with Mim and Lewis highlight themes of and , as the group dodges syndicate goons and deciphers 's signals amid escalating dangers. Meanwhile, navigates tense reunions with Leo, who manipulates her guilt over the past theft to coerce participation in the heist, testing her loyalty to her reformed life. The story builds to a climactic heist at a lavish gala, where Leo forces Margot to steal the Queen of Moldana's . The children arrive in disguise, using Lewis's quiet resourcefulness and Mim's bold ideas to breach security. In the robbery sequence, Margot executes precise maneuvers from her thief days while fending off Leo's betrayal attempt. The kids intervene in a chaotic showdown, deploying Kevin's inventions to outmaneuver the criminals and aid Margot's escape with the crown. The family reunites amid heartfelt revelations of long-buried secrets, with Clancy attending the program, inspired by the events and solidifying their bonds, ensuring the syndicate's defeat.

Cast

The principal cast of The Sleepover features in the lead role of Clancy Finch, the teenage protagonist and high school student navigating family secrets and personal challenges. Maxwell Simkins plays her younger brother, Kevin Finch, an inventive kid who aids in the unfolding events. portrays Ron Finch, the awkward father and pastry chef who represents the everyday parental figure in the family unit. Malin Åkerman embodies Margot Finch, also known as Matilda, the mother harboring a hidden criminal past as a . Joe Manganiello stars as Leo Bouchot, the ruthless antagonist and leader of a criminal syndicate. Supporting the young leads, Cree Cicchino appears as Mim, Clancy's loyal friend in the ensemble of kids. Lucas Jaye is cast as Lewis, Kevin's inventive companion among the group of children. Karla Souza plays Jay, Margot's best friend. Enuka Okuma plays Elise, Leo's associate in the adult antagonistic circle. In smaller roles, appears as Henry Gibbs, the U.S. Marshal providing key assistance within the narrative. The casting emphasizes a dynamic unit through the Finches—portrayed by Stanley, Simkins, Marino, and Åkerman—juxtaposed against the youthful of friends and the menacing adult antagonists, underscoring themes of generational contrasts and teamwork.

Production

Development

The screenplay for The Sleepover was written by Sarah Rothschild and earned recognition on the 2017 Black List, an annual industry survey highlighting the most liked unproduced Hollywood scripts. In February 2018, LD Entertainment acquired the rights to the family adventure script, with Mickey Liddell and Pete Shilaimon set to produce. Development advanced in when acquired worldwide distribution rights in a deal, greenlighting the project as a mid-tier original. The film was positioned as an action-comedy aimed at a audience, blending heist elements with youthful in the vein of 1980s classics. , whose prior feature directing credit included , was attached to helm the project. The official announcement came in August 2019, confirming Sie's involvement and outlining the core creative team ahead of principal photography. This timeline marked a roughly two-year span from the script's Black List placement to greenlight, reflecting standard progression for spec script adaptations in the streaming era.

Filming

Principal photography for The Sleepover commenced on August 15, 2019, and continued through late summer and early fall, spanning seven weeks across various sites in Massachusetts. Filming primarily occurred in the South Shore region, with key locations including Hanover High School, which served as the primary school setting and featured a cameo by principal Matthew Paquette. Other Boston-area sites captured the film's urban elements, such as the Boch Center Wang Theatre for a pivotal heist confrontation scene, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Boston Athenaeum, an underground MBTA training center for chase sequences, the Boston Children's Museum, a cabin in the Hanson woods, a family home in Scituate, and the Tea Party Ships & Museum on Congress Street. The production engaged 525 Massachusetts residents as crew, principal, and background actors, plus 40 locals for visual effects work, while sourcing goods and services from 1,250 businesses across 123 cities and towns, contributing to the local economy during the four-month overall shoot in 2019. Cinematography was handled by Conrad W. Hall, who employed practical setups to capture the film's action-comedy sequences, including heist and chase elements. Production faced challenges with child actors due to labor laws restricting minors' hours, necessitating daytime shoots for night scenes using fabric overlays to simulate darkness. Additionally, extreme summer heat reaching 96°F (35.6°C) and a noisy air conditioner complicated interior filming at the family home set. On-set anecdotes highlighted the blend of kid-friendly humor and thriller tension, as seen in a dance sequence filmed in Hanover High School's restroom where young actor Maxwell Simkins performed "the worm" on a sterilized floor. Local production designer Harry Aspinwall noted a personal milestone filming at the Tea Party Ships & Museum, a site where he had previously worked as a teenager. Set designs for the sleepover and vault scenes emphasized immersive, family-oriented environments to support the narrative's shift from suburban normalcy to high-stakes adventure, though specific construction details were not publicly detailed.

Release

Distribution

The Sleepover had its world premiere on on August 21, 2020, bypassing a traditional theatrical release in favor of a direct-to-streaming model following 's acquisition of global distribution rights during the film's development phase. The film, produced by , runs 100 minutes and carries a TV-PG rating for action/peril and mild language, making it suitable for family viewing. Upon release, it became one of Netflix's top-viewed films of 2020, ranking #8 overall and #1 in multiple countries. This distribution strategy aligned with Netflix's expansion of original content during the lockdowns, positioning The Sleepover as part of the platform's 2020 slate of live-action family films aimed at young audiences seeking home entertainment options. As of November 2025, the film remains exclusively available for streaming on Netflix worldwide, with official physical media releases limited to manufactured-on-demand DVD and Blu-ray editions released in 2024, and no noted variations in international distribution.

Promotion

Netflix's promotional campaign for The Sleepover emphasized digital outreach to family audiences, leveraging the streaming platform's built-in tools for trailers, social media clips, and virtual engagements during the late summer of 2020. The campaign aligned with the film's August 21 release, capitalizing on post-lockdown interest in lighthearted, home-viewable content for parents and children. The official trailer debuted on Netflix's YouTube channel on August 5, 2020, showcasing the film's blend of heist action, family bonding, and comedic elements, such as the siblings' discovery of their mother's secret past and their chaotic rescue mission. This trailer highlighted key cast members like Sadie Stanley as Clancy and Malin Åkerman as the mother Margot, generating buzz through shares and views on social platforms. Accompanying social media posts on Netflix's family-oriented accounts, including Facebook, featured teaser clips of adventure sequences to target parents seeking fun, age-appropriate entertainment. Publicity efforts centered on virtual press junkets conducted in mid-August 2020, amid ongoing pandemic restrictions, allowing journalists to interview the cast remotely. These sessions included roundtable discussions with stars such as Stanley, Åkerman, Cree Cicchino, Ken Marino, Maxwell Simkins, and Lucas Jaye, where they shared insights into the film's family themes, like teamwork and parental surprises, as well as behind-the-scenes stunt work. For instance, in one interview, the cast emphasized the movie's appeal as a "laugh-out-loud family film perfect for movie night," underscoring its relatable sibling dynamics and adventurous spirit. Marketing materials, including posters, adopted a vibrant, adventurous aesthetic to spotlight the —including in a villainous role—and the film's mix of and , distributed digitally via 's promotional channels. The strategy remained low-key and cost-efficient, typical of Netflix originals, focusing on organic online engagement rather than large-scale events or traditional , with the push intensifying from early to mid-August to build anticipation at summer's end.

Reception

Critical response

Upon its release, The Sleepover received mixed reviews from critics, who appreciated its family-oriented entertainment value but found fault with its scripting and pacing. On , the film holds a 67% approval rating based on 21 reviews, with an average score of 6.2/10. assigns it a score of 46 out of 100, indicating "mixed or average" reviews from 9 critics. Critics praised the film for its family-friendly fun and light-hearted heist vibe, often comparing director Trish Sie's style to 1980s adventure films like those in the series. The energetic performances of the young cast, particularly as Clancy and Maxwell Simkins as , were highlighted for bringing charm and vitality to the sibling dynamic. However, reviewers commonly criticized the predictable plot and formulaic scripting, which relied on familiar tropes without much innovation. The tone was seen as uneven, struggling to balance with action sequences that felt underdeveloped. Adult characters, including Malin Åkerman's portrayal of Margot, were often described as underdeveloped, serving more as plot devices than fully realized figures. In a representative review, RogerEbert.com's Nick Allen awarded the film 2 out of 4 stars, noting its feels underwhelming with lazy plotting despite some charm in the young characters. The Hollywood Reporter's John DeFore described the film as an inoffensive, vanilla middle-school suitable for young teens. Common Sense Media's Jennifer Green praised its positive messages on and family bonds, such as the emphasis on and parental .

Audience response

The Sleepover received mixed but generally positive feedback from audiences, particularly families seeking lighthearted . On , the film holds an average rating of 5.7 out of 10, based on over 13,000 user votes, reflecting its appeal as a casual watch despite some reservations about originality. Similarly, reports an audience score of 71% from verified viewers, who appreciated its suitability for family viewing and positive messages around and . Released during the 2020 pandemic, it ranked as the 24th most-watched original movie on that year, contributing to its popularity as home for isolated families. Viewers commonly praised the film's empowering portrayal of children taking charge, with engaging action sequences involving gadgets and heists that kept kids entertained. The humor, including moments and relatable sibling dynamics, was highlighted as a highlight, making it a fun, feel-good option for parents and children alike. For instance, audiences noted the "thrill, , mystery, action, adventure" as a strong draw for younger viewers. However, some criticisms focused on the movie's overly childish tone and reliance on familiar clichés, which led to predictability in the plot and underdeveloped elements like the villain's arc. Pacing issues during chase scenes were also mentioned, with viewers describing parts as "boring" or disengaging, causing attention to wander. Certain characters, such as the bumbling father, drew complaints for being "annoying" and reinforcing stereotypes. The film sparked discussions within family media circles about Netflix's output of kid-friendly action comedies, often drawing comparisons to 1980s and 2000s classics like for its blend of humor and mild peril. While not generating widespread cultural phenomena, it prompted minor online conversations around tropes in modern family films, emphasizing themes of unexpected adventure.

Accolades

Awards

The Sleepover received the Award for Children's Episodic, Long Form and Specials at the 73rd Annual WGA Awards on March 21, 2021, honoring screenwriter Sarah Rothschild for her original . This victory recognized the film's engaging narrative tailored for young audiences, distinguishing it from nominees such as Countdown from The Astronauts and We Are . The award underscored the screenplay's role in blending adventure and family dynamics effectively within the youth genre. Additionally, the film earned for Narrative Feature in 2021, a certification awarded by ReFrame and IMDbPro to projects demonstrating gender-balanced hiring practices in front of and behind the camera. This accolade highlighted The Sleepover's commitment to inclusive production, with key roles filled by women including director Trish Sie and Sarah Rothschild.

Nominations

The Sleepover earned a at the 11th Annual in 2021 for Best Supervision for a Television Movie, with Liz Gallacher recognized for her integration of Germaine Franco's original score into the film's action-comedy narrative. This accolade highlighted the project's effective use of to enhance its streaming format, emphasizing production values in a category dominated by limited-series and specials. No major additional nominations have been reported for the film post-2020 as of November 2025.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10888708/
  2. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/626393-the-sleepover/cast?language=en-US
  3. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_sleepover
  4. https://www.netflix.com/title/80238399
  5. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-sleepover-movie-review-2020
  6. https://www.tvguide.com/movies/the-sleepover/cast/2030243741/
  7. https://punchdrunkcritics.com/2020/08/review-the-sleepover/
  8. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/the-sleepover
  9. https://decider.com/2020/08/24/the-sleepover-cast-guide-whos-who-in-netflixs-latest-hit-film/
  10. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10888708/fullcredits/
  11. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_sleepover/cast-and-crew
  12. https://deadline.com/2018/02/ld-entertainment-the-sleepover-sarah-rothschild-1202279528/
  13. https://www.vulture.com/2017/12/the-2017-script-black-list-has-been-revealed.html
  14. https://deadline.com/2019/08/netflix-movie-the-sleepover-ken-marino-joe-manganiello-malin-akerman-cast-1202704276/
  15. https://about.netflix.com/news/trish-sie-directed-family-film-the-sleepover-announces-cast
  16. https://www.southcoasttoday.com/story/news/education/2019/08/09/filming-for-netflix-action-comedy/4507500007/
  17. https://www.patriotledger.com/story/entertainment/arts/2020/08/19/south-shore-goes-hollywood-again-with-netflix-movie-the-sleepover/113928698/
  18. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10888708/locations/
  19. https://massprodcoalition.org/news/2020/8/17/the-sleepover
  20. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/the-sleepover-film-review-4049160/
  21. https://www.justjared.com/2020/09/01/netflixs-top-10-most-watched-movies-in-august-2020-revealed-the-number-one-film-is-a-huge-hit/4/
  22. https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-sleepover
  23. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-Sleepover-Blu-ray/355337/
  24. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqhfd79fbFs
  25. https://www.facebook.com/NetflixFamily/videos/the-sleepover-i-dont-want-this-adventure-clip-netflix/349124999458059/
  26. https://mamasgeeky.com/2020/08/the-sleepover-interview.html
  27. https://www.the-mommyhood-chronicles.com/2020/08/netflix-the-sleepover-virtual-press-conference/
  28. https://www.cinematerial.com/movies/the-sleepover-i10888708/p/kyfierrq
  29. https://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-sleepover
  30. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/aug/21/the-sleepover-review-silly-but-good-hearted-family-spy-fun
  31. https://www.newsweek.com/netflix-movies-films-most-watched-best-2020-enola-holmes-christmas-chronicles-social-dilemma-1557932
  32. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_sleepover/reviews?type=user
  33. https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/sleepover-2020/
  34. https://www.wga.org/news-events/news/press/2021-writers-guild-awards-winners-announced
  35. https://variety.com/2021/film/news/wga-awards-winners-2021-writers-guild-1234935361/
  36. https://www.patriotledger.com/story/entertainment/2021/03/22/shot-south-shore-movie-the-sleepover-wins-writers-guild-award/4796710001/
  37. https://www.nasdaq.com/press-release/reframe-and-imdbpro-announce-2020-reframe-stamp-recipients-including:-birds-of-prey
  38. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10888708/awards/
  39. https://mande.net/fr/btl/awards/11th-music-supervisor-awards-nominees
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