Sleight
Performance & Direction: Sleight Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Sleight (2016) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
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?
Story & Plot Summary: Sleight
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2016, Sleight is a Drama, Thriller, Action, Science Fiction film directed by J.D. Dillard. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Jacob Latimore.
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 Jacob Latimore's journey, 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 core themes.
Ending Explained: Sleight
Ending Breakdown: Directed by J.D. Dillard, Sleight attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Jacob Latimore, 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
Box Office Collection: Sleight
| 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.
Top Cast: Sleight
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Sleight Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV Store
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StoreSleight Parents Guide & Age Rating
2016 AdvisoryWondering about Sleight age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Sleight is 89 minutes (1h 29m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.4/10, and global performance metrics, Sleight is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2016 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sleight worth watching?
Sleight is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 5.4/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Sleight parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Sleight identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Sleight?
The total duration of Sleight is 89 minutes, which is approximately 1h 29m long.
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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 review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
