Sleepwalker – Movie Review (2/5)

SLEEPWALKER is a new supernatural thriller with a very dark and sinister story. It’s not a bad movie, but it could have been better. I recognize this doesn’t sound like a glowing recommendation – and it isn’t – but I do feel it’s worth watching. Hayden Panettiere and Beverly D’Angelo make for a duo I never knew I needed. Read our full Sleepwalker movie review here!

SLEEPWALKER is a thriller coming to theaters and On Demand right as 2026 kicks off. If we gave half ratings, I would give it 2½ out of 5, but that’s mostly due to the amazing scenes with Beverly D’Angelo and Hayden Panettiere as mother and daughter. They worked so well that I’d love to see at least one more movie with this casting.

What doesn’t work as well for this supernatural thriller is the storytelling. The plot is interesting, and the overall story is as well. The problem has more to do with details of the story (often those missing) and the pacing, which just didn’t work for me. And yet, I do actually recommend watching this movie for all the things that do work. Just don’t expect too much from it, as I probably did.

Continue reading our Sleepwalker (2026) movie review below. Find it in theaters and on demand from January 9, 2025.

The horror of sleep

Whether sleepwalking or simply trapped in a nightmare, the horror of sleep has long been a staple of genre movies. Most iconically with the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise, where Freddy Krueger will get you as soon as you doze off. However, movies like Mike Flanagan’s Before I Wake (2016) or, most recently, Black Phone 2 have also used the mystery of sleep as a plot driver.

With this 2026 Sleepwalker, we follow Sarah (Hayden Panettiere) as she is haunted by strange and terrifying visions. She also suffers from sleepwalking, as does her son, so there’s plenty to keep track of in the house. As the occurrences of sleepwalking increase, so do the dangers. Not only does Sarah leave the house, but she also finds herself standing at the top of a staircase about to fall down.

Or rather, she doesn’t find herself, but others do as they reach her just in time.

More Beverly D’Angelo & Hayden Panettiere, please

The reason why these sleepwalking incidents are increasing is to be found in Sarah’s most recent past. Her abusive husband (Justin Chatwin), whom she recently left, is haunting her nightmares. She now lives with her mother (Beverly D’Angelo), who tries her best to help but also has quite strong opinions of her own.

And this brings me to the very best part of Sleepwalker, and the reason I absolutely recommend checking it out: Seeing Beverly D’Angelo and Hayden Panettiere as mother and daughter. Not only do they have a believable resemblance, but they also have amazing chemistry and a strong dynamic that feels like that of a parent and child.

On more than one occasion, I found myself chuckling during their interactions, as I am certain was the intention. It’s that tough love paired with true support that comes across in little everyday moments. I would love to see a horror-comedy starring these two, as they have both stellar comedic timing and know how to do horror right.

Genre fans might recognize Beverly D’Angelo from Violent Night, and Hayden Panettiere is, of course, part of the Scream franchise.

Watch Sleepwalker in theaters or on demand

Sleepwalker was written and directed by Brandon Auman, and it’s also based on his own 7-minute short film from 2024. The pacing and storytelling (along with this particular style of effects that I am not a fan of) did not do much for me. This is his feature film debut directing, and while it has a lot going for it, I especially enjoyed what he created with the characters.

Alongside Hayden Panettiere, Justin Chatwin, and Beverly D’Angelo, we also have Mischa Barton (The Sixth Sense, Spree, The O.C.) in a key role. The rest of the core cast consists of Lori Tan Chinn (Orange is the New Black) and newcomers Laird Lacoste and Corinne Sweeney.

Among the producers, we find Leonardo DiCaprio, so clearly others also see the talent that Brandon Auman has. I look forward to seeing what he comes up with next. I would love another genre film with a great focus on characters and less use of special effects. Mostly because they had the opposite effect on me, so instead of making me scared, they pulled me out of the story.

SLEEPWALKER is out In Theaters & On Demand from January 9, 2026.

Details

Director: Brandon Auman
Writer: Brandon Auman
Cast: Hayden Panettiere, Justin Chatwin, Beverly D’Angelo, Mischa Barton, Lori Tan Chinn, Laird Lacoste, Corinne Sweeney