Alexis Fish, Gina Rodriguez is at a turning point after the tumultuous year that followed the betrayal of her husband, a setback that leaves her both broke and emotionally fragile. In the bustling, color-splashed world of Brooklyn, she stumbles through a string of humiliating odd jobs—from peddling a walking meatball hero to taking late-evening phone calls—trying to keep her head above water while a sense of possibility quietly erodes.
When a call arrives from her quirky sister, Kayla Fish, Ana Ortiz inviting her back home for the funeral of a distant aunt, Alexis hesitates, knowing the trip will pull her back into the family’s chaotic orbit. The prospect of returning fills her with dread, but the pull of home and kin proves stronger than pride. Upon arrival, she is confronted not only by the memory of a life she thought she’d left behind but also by the immediate, affectionate pressure of her mother and the family’s unspoken expectations. Estella Fish, Priscilla Lopez, is a force of traditional wisdom and unwavering care, and her questions about Alexis’s present choices cut straight to the heart of what this family values.
Back in the home that once felt like sanctuary, Alexis finds herself surrounded by a chorus of relatives who mix love with a healthy dose of chaos. She’s forced to re-interpret her roots, a blend of Latino and Jewish traditions, and the real possibility that this heritage might be the very thing that steadies her rather than burdens her. The tension between wanting independence and needing support becomes a delicate balancing act, and Alexis begins to see that her future may lie not in abandoning her past but in reshaping it.
Kayla, ever the bigger-hearted, ambitious sister, presses Alexis toward a practical, if nerve-racking, path: the family’s superhero-themed Bat Mitzvah project. This event, a symbol of community, tradition, and a dash of comic-book whimsy, becomes the crucible in which Alexis tests her skills as a planner and, more importantly, as someone who can bring joy to others while healing her own wounds. The Bat Mitzvah project is not just a job—it’s a doorway back to purpose, a chance to prove to herself that she can still craft a life that feels meaningful.
On the sidelines, acting as a quiet compass, is Dr. Leonard Fish, [Tibor Feldman], whose steady, hopeful words offer a gentle push toward embracing a brighter future. His encouragement gives Alexis the courage to take the leap into the Bat Mitzvah work, even as the nostalgia for her old life tugs at her again. The push and pull of family expectations, personal longing, and the desire for something more genuine create a rhythm that keeps the story moving forward with warmth and humor.
Into this warm, occasionally chaotic world steps a potential romance—Dominic Sebastiani, [Steven Strait]—a figure who arrives with compatibility, kindness, and a spark that suggests a new chapter might be possible. The possibility of romance sits alongside the laughter and the tension, offering Alexis a glimpse of healing through connection, while never trivializing the depth of the struggles she faces.
Beyond the central relationship, the family’s dynamic is a steady source of comic and heartfelt moments. The ensemble is flavored with vivid personalities who color the narrative with quick one-liners, stubborn love, and a deep sense of community. Mrs. Wasserstein, [Orfeh], and Mr. Wasserstein, [Tom Morrissey], add to the lively backdrop with their own brand of quirky affection and stubborn resilience, reminding viewers that family life is a blend of chaos and care. Mo Stout, [Stephen DeRosa], and Jude Warren, [Monica Steuer], appear as part of the broader circle that circles Alexis, offering both challenge and support through the film’s slice-of-life lens.
As Alexis navigates the overlapping duties of care, culture, and career, she discovers that letting go of a past that no longer fits her can be a path to redefine her future. The film moves with a gentle, observant tempo, leaning into humor that emerges from real family conversation, small misunderstandings, and the warmth of people who refuse to let one another fail. It’s a story about resilience, about finding one’s footing after a life’s upheaval, and about learning to love a family not for its perfection but for its honest, generous heart.
SLEEPING WITH THE FISHES presents a richly drawn, relatable look at a Brooklyn family that feels both specific and universal. With its bright, character-driven humor and moments of sincere self-discovery, the film invites audiences to smile at the chaos and to cheer for Alexis as she learns to fish for a future she can finally call her own. The result is a vibrant, affectionate portrait of home, identity, and the stubborn, hopeful pursuit of happiness.
