Is Sleight Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Sleight is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 89 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Sleight Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2016, Sleight emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Thriller, Action, Science Fiction domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A young street magician is left to take care of his little sister after his mother's passing and turns to drug dealing in the Los Angeles party scene to keep a roof over their heads. Unlike standard genre fare, Sleight attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Sleight features a noteworthy lineup led by Jacob Latimore . Supported by the likes of Seychelle Gabriel and Storm Reid , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Sleight (2016) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Sleight Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Sleight is a Drama, Thriller, Action, Science Fiction film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. A young street magician is left to take care of his little sister after his mother's passing and turns to drug dealing in the Los Angeles party scene to keep a roof over their heads. When he gets into trouble with his supplier, his sister is kidnapped and he is forced to rely on both his sleight of hand and brilliant mind to save her. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's themes.
Sleight Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Sleight attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Sleight reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Sleight?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Sleight Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $250.0K |
| Worldwide Gross | $4.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Sleight Budget
The estimated production budget for Sleight is $250.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Sleight
- Jacob Latimore – Bo
- Seychelle Gabriel – Holly
- Storm Reid – Tina
- Sasheer Zamata – Georgi
- Dulé Hill – Angelo
Top Highlights
Jacob LatimoreBo
Seychelle GabrielHolly
Storm ReidTina
Sasheer ZamataGeorgi
Dulé HillAngelo
Cameron EspositoLuna
Michael VillarPacky
Brandon JohnsonRamone
Jay WalkerBlake
Alex HynerNoah
Where to Watch Sleight Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
Sleight is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.4/10, and global collection metrics, Sleight stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2016 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sleight movie hit or flop?
Sleight has received mixed reviews with a 5.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Sleight worth watching?
Sleight is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Thriller, Action movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Sleight online?
Sleight may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Sleight Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Sleight
Almost everything that happens in _Sleight_ made me think "Oh, this is just like where this happens in that other, better, movie". But the fact that it's original IP overall is refreshing, and just because someone else did it **better**, doesn't mean _Sleight_ doesn't do it very well. _Final rating:★★★ - I liked it. Would personally recommend you give it a go._
I saw this movie last year when it came out. I thought it was very cool and a nice take on the superhero origin story, along with "young black man makes it out of the ghetto" story. Not very believable towards the end, but the acting and the rules they established earlier on made it work. All the actors in here were great and the movie looked very good too.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
