DCA Archive

Sleeping Giant

#DiscoveryFilmFest

Teenager Adam is spending his summer vacation with his wealthy parents on the shores of Lake Superior. His dull routine is shattered when he befriends Riley and Nate, mouthy cousins who pass their ample free time staging Jackass-style capers that gradually get riskier and more dangerous, from shoplifting to recreational drugs and cliffjumping. As Adam is drawn into their world, he surprises himself with the extent to which he begins take part, overcoming his earlier caution. But when the revelation of a hurtful secret triggers Adam to set in motion a series of irreversible events, the bonds of friendship are tested and the lives of the three boys are changed forever.

The slow burn towards the dramatic climax could feel somewhat obvious, but the quality of the characterisation and the stunning, natural acting on display distracts you from the inevitability of it all and sucks you into a very real world of teenage pranks and inescapable peer pressure.

Sleeping Giant is screening in DCA’s weekly Cine Sundays slot, so you can get your cinema ticket, a pre-screening hot drink and breakfast roll all for £7. Alternatively, Discovery Film Festival prices still apply!


Sleeping Giant was selected by our Discovery Young Ambassadors, a group of film-loving 15-19 year-olds. Here's what they have to say about it:

“Engrossing, stylish and had me sitting on the edge of my seat”

“characters that you get attached to only to see their faults”

“it felt real and natural”

“a movie where all is not quite as it seems”

“amazing acting”

“you’ll enjoy this if you like The Way, Way Back