Movie review: Netflix's 'Awake' might make you think twice about sleep

By Janell Williams | Staff writer

Global hysteria brings out the worst in everyone in Netflix’s new film “Awake.” Filled with suspense and thrill, this film will definitely make you appreciate those mid-afternoon naps even more.

After a mysterious disaster knocks out all the electricity, it becomes evident that humanity has also lost the ability to fall asleep. After it is revealed that her daughter can still sleep, Jill, an ex-soldier recovering from a pill addiction, and her two children, Matilda and Noah, set out to find a military hub where a cure for this calamity may be in the works. In their fight to save mankind, the trio encounters thieves, prisoners and paranoid soldiers throughout their fight to get to a secret military facility over 100 miles away.

Actress Gina Rodriguez truly brings her character Jill to life. She leaves you captivated with her display of intuition and survival skills as she must prepare her daughter to survive in case she and her son died from sleep deprivation.

Most of the filming was done in Ontario, Canada, to bring to life the vision of Toronto-born screenwriter Joseph Raso. He wrote the screenplay that inspired “Awake,” and his brother Mark Raso directed the production to bring the creative visions to the big screen. Though special effects were minimal, the film still had a fair share of gore and suspense.

The movie in its entirety did a great job at leaving me asking, “What’s next?” It is almost like the writers did not want the main characters to have a clear journey, but just to encounter whatever was next and fight through it.

I do wish that we, as audience members, got more detail and action during the twists and turns of the journey. Each obstacle, while they all had a bit of suspense, focused more on getting to the desired destination rather than creating a quality action scene in that moment.

For example, there is a scene where the group encounters some individuals who have also fallen victim to insomnia. While the main characters drive through them, the crowd attempts to pull them all out of the car. Though there was a slight bit of intensity here, I felt that the scene could have fit more into the suspense category if someone was pulled from the car, and they had to fight to get them back or some other event to make me jump out of my seat and yell, “Run, girl! Run!”

While I feel that some aspects could have had a bit more substance, the film was a thrill to watch overall.

I feel that the ending, while it unearths a possible solution to regain the ability to sleep, left me with unanswered questions. However, I suppose a cliffhanger should be expected with almost any Netflix film.

I almost wish that there would be a sequel to this film, but my hopes were dimmed when my research showed that a sequel is highly unlikely.

At top of page, those looking to watch “Awake” can tune in on Netflix. (photo by Janell Williams)

Contact Janell Williams at jwilliams30@augusta.edu.

This story is published in the Monday, Oct. 25, 2021 print edition of The Bell Ringer.