Awake

Movie Trailer

Release Date
June 9, 2021

Genre
Sci-Fi, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Gina Rodriguez as Jill Adams
• Ariana Greenblatt as Matilda Adams
• Frances Fisher as Doris
• Shamier Anderson as Dodge
• Lucius Hoyos as Noah Adams
• Finn Jones as Brian
• Jennifer Jason Leigh as Dr. Murphy
• Barry Pepper as Pastor

Director
Mark Raso

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Kodachrome (2017)
• Copenhagen (2014)

Producer

• Paul Schiff
• Paul Schiff Productions
• Entertainment One
• Netflix

Writer

• Mark Raso
• Joseph Raso
• Gregory Poirier

Budget
Estimated at $15 million

Production Company

• Entertainment One
• Paul Schiff Productions
• Netflix

Running Time
96 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
TV-MA

Content Advisory

• Intense violence
• Language
• Disturbing imagery
• Perilous situations

Movie Story
“Awake” is a dystopian sci-fi thriller that takes place in a world where a mysterious global event causes all electronics to stop functioning and renders humanity unable to sleep. As the days pass without sleep, society begins to unravel, with people descending into madness, hallucinations, and eventually death. The film follows Jill Adams (Gina Rodriguez), a former soldier with a troubled past, who must navigate this chaotic new reality while protecting her two children, Matilda (Ariana Greenblatt) and Noah (Lucius Hoyos).

The story begins with Jill struggling to reconnect with her children, who are living with their grandmother, Doris (Frances Fisher). After the event occurs, it quickly becomes apparent that the inability to sleep is driving people to the brink of insanity. Jill, aware of the ticking clock, races to find a way to save her family, especially her daughter Matilda, who seems to be the only person still capable of sleeping.

As word spreads about Matilda’s unique ability, Jill and her children become targets of desperate individuals and groups who believe that Matilda holds the key to reversing the catastrophe. They are pursued by both government forces and religious fanatics who believe Matilda is a divine miracle. Jill, drawing on her military training, must fight to keep her children safe while also trying to uncover the cause of the global affliction and find a cure.

“Awake” explores themes of survival, the fragility of civilization, and the lengths a mother will go to protect her children. The film’s tension builds as the characters face increasingly dire situations, with the ever-present threat of their own mental and physical deterioration hanging over them.

Special Effects
The film uses a combination of practical effects and CGI to create its dystopian world. The portrayal of societal collapse is achieved through chaotic scenes of urban decay, looting, and violent confrontations. The visual effects are particularly effective in depicting the characters’ deteriorating mental states, with hallucinations and disorienting visuals that heighten the sense of desperation and impending doom.

Box Office Performance
“Awake” was released directly to Netflix, bypassing a traditional theatrical release. While it received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its concept and Gina Rodriguez’s performance, others criticized its execution and pacing. Despite this, the film attracted a significant viewership on Netflix, drawing attention for its intriguing premise and tense atmosphere.

Filming Locations

• Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Notable Quotes

• “Without sleep, there’s no future.” – Dr. Murphy
• “My daughter is the only one who can sleep. She’s the answer.” – Jill Adams

Behind-the-Scenes
“Awake” was filmed in various locations across Ontario, Canada, with the production taking advantage of the urban landscapes to create the film’s dystopian setting. Director Mark Raso worked closely with the cast, particularly Gina Rodriguez, to capture the emotional intensity of a world in crisis. The film was shot on a tight schedule, with many scenes requiring extensive choreography to depict the chaos and desperation of a society on the brink.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
“Awake” offers a compelling premise and a strong performance from Gina Rodriguez, but its execution falls short of its potential. The film’s exploration of a world without sleep creates a tense and unsettling atmosphere, but the pacing and plot development may leave some viewers wanting more. Nevertheless, it’s an intriguing watch for fans of dystopian thrillers, offering a unique take on a global catastrophe.

IMDb Rating
4.9/10