Robert de Hoog (who was nominated for an International Emmy Award for his leading role in the 2008 neo-Nazi film, ‘Skin') stars in this dark Dutch thriller, ‘Sleepers', as Martin Oudkerk, a police detective with some interesting family associations.
If you want to avoid all spoilers for the show, stop reading this article now.
His father and brother run a major drug cartel, but Martin’s colleagues seem to know nothing of his family’s dodgy history. Obviously for his drug-lord father, having a son who can provide vital police information is a Godsend.
Martin’s father, Henk, tells his son that he’s getting unwanted calls from a rival gang leader who want to take over his business. He also suspects that he’s being followed, so asks Martin to trace the car vehicle registration. The vehicle is a rental, hired out to an English woman.
It is during a fishing trip that Henk is approached by the rival gangster who wants to meet in a restaurant to discuss his takeover proposal. Henk agrees to go along but makes sure he’s armed with a pistol. However, the evening doesn’t go as planned for any party, and a mass shooting breaks out.
It’s whilst he’s having a night out with his brother that Martin receives notification of a shooting at a restaurant frequented by Henk. Sure enough, when he arrives, he finds numerous dead bodies, including that of his father. But, of course, because no-one knows that Henk is his dad, he cannot show any emotion.
There’s a lot to like about this Dutch thriller, which has already enjoyed a second season in the Netherlands. The acting from de Hoog and others is excellent, and the script is strong, punchy and engaging. The actual plot seems a little ridiculous at times, as is the way with so many crime shows. But if you suspend belief for 45 minutes, it’s a very enjoyable rollercoaster ride. As with many dark thrillers, the atmosphere is helped by what appears to be relentless rain and nighttime shots of desolate carparks where clandestine meetings take place.
Another killing at the end of Episode 1 confirms that the new blood of criminals don’t play well with others, meaning Martin is has to try to protect of what remains of his family from the ultra-violent underworld mob.
There’s nothing particularly original about ‘Sleepers'; but it’s well acted, well written and keeps the suspense going throughout. You end up rooting for Martin, even though he’s basically a dodgy copper with an even dodgier family.
It’s early days, but ‘Sleepers' might be worth staying awake for.
Walter Presents: ‘Sleepers' launches on Channel 4 on 12th January 2025. Boxset available on Walter Presents via Channel 4 Streaming from 10th January 2025.
