Sleepers (2025)

Premise

Anya Petrov (played by Arianna Fox) is a young sleeper agent trained in Russia and planted in America, awaiting activation for her mission. However, as she experiences genuine American friendship, freedom, and joy, she faces a life-altering choice: fulfill her programming—or embrace an authentic life that challenges everything she was taught 

Cast & Crew

• Arianna Fox portrays Anya, delivering an emotional and nuanced performance.

• Supporting cast includes Bryan Spellman (Steve), John Schaub (Billy), Natalia Santacoloma (Kaitlyn), Ruby Singleton (Mila), and Ellie Mae Louise Smith (Yulia)

• Mike Fox wears multiple hats—director, writer, and producer—leading the project under Crystal Fox Films and Outhouse Production Films 

Critical Reception

IMDb ratings hover around 6.4/10 (based on 1,029 votes), reflecting a mixed-to-positive audience response . The tone and subject matter evoke strong reactions—some hail it as a powerful indie gem, while others critique the acting and production quality:

“Awesome epic movie! It’s a must watch!”
— Featured IMDb review 

Conversely:

“Terrible Acting… wooden, unconvincing, and cringeworthy at best.”
— Critical IMDb user feedback 

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Arianna Fox’s portrayal of Anya anchors the film with emotional resonance.

• The thematic contrast—duty vs. freedom—offers relatable conflict amid political intrigue.

• Some viewers praised the tight pacing and visuals for a modestly budgeted film

Weaknesses:

• Production values felt "high-school project" level at times, said some critics 

• Acting quality was inconsistent, with mixed reviews on child performers and supporting cast .

Overall Verdict

Sleepers (2025) presents a compelling, if gritty, character-driven thriller. Its core tale—one young agent torn between imposed loyalty and discovered autonomy—resonates powerfully for viewers who appreciate emotional stakes over blockbuster polish. While the acting and production may limit its mainstream appeal, the film stands as a memorable niche entry worth exploring for its heartfelt themes and somber tone.

Suitability

• Recommended for viewers drawn to morally complex, low-budget spy dramas exploring identity and choice.

• Less suited for those seeking high-budget action spectacle or consistently polished performances.