Awake is a 2021 science fiction thriller film directed by Mark Raso and written by Greg J. Russo. The movie explores a dystopian world where humanity faces an unprecedented crisis: a mysterious event causes people to lose the ability to sleep, resulting in widespread chaos and collapse. The film stars Gina Rodriguez, who portrays a mother struggling to protect her children in a world rapidly descending into madness.
The film combines action, suspense, and psychological drama, focusing on the survival of a few individuals as they try to find a solution to the global crisis while facing their own personal challenges.
Plot Summary
The film begins with a catastrophic event that leads to a global loss of sleep. People around the world suddenly lose the ability to rest, and without sleep, society begins to fall apart. As days pass without sleep, people begin to lose their mental and physical faculties, resulting in widespread violence, confusion, and death.
The protagonist, Jill (played by Gina Rodriguez), is a former soldier who is struggling with personal demons, including her troubled past and a strained relationship with her children. Jill’s life takes a dramatic turn when she finds out that her daughter, Matilda, is one of the few people who can still sleep.
As the world around them deteriorates, Jill and her family embark on a desperate journey to find a cure for the sleep crisis. Jill must protect her daughter and keep her safe from various factions and people who would exploit Matilda’s rare ability. Along the way, Jill’s resourcefulness, determination, and her complicated relationship with her children come into focus as she makes difficult decisions in order to protect them.
The movie explores themes of survival, sacrifice, and the collapse of societal structures, as well as the emotional toll that a global disaster has on individuals and families. The journey for a cure becomes both a literal and metaphorical quest for hope in a hopeless world.
Main Cast and Characters
- Gina Rodriguez as Jill: Jill is the protagonist, a former soldier who is struggling with her past and trying to protect her children during the sleep crisis. Gina Rodriguez portrays Jill as a fierce, determined mother who must confront her personal demons while facing the collapse of society. Her character undergoes significant development throughout the film as she grapples with the challenges of survival.
- Lucius Hoyos as Noah: Jill’s son, who, along with his sister, becomes part of the family’s survival journey. Noah plays a key role in the film, representing hope and the next generation.
- Ariana Greenblatt as Matilda: Matilda is Jill’s daughter, whose ability to sleep becomes a crucial part of the plot. Her character represents innocence in the midst of chaos and is the focal point of the story as various groups seek to exploit her gift.
- Jennifer Jason Leigh as Agent Burrell: A government agent who becomes involved in the search for a cure and tries to understand the scientific implications of the sleep crisis. Her character is driven by both political and personal motivations.
- Barry Pepper as Derrick: A fellow survivor who becomes involved in the struggle for survival, Derrick is one of the supporting characters who plays a role in Jill’s efforts to protect her family.
- Shannon Kook as Paul: A member of Jill’s extended family who becomes an important character in their survival journey.
Themes and Style
Awake explores a range of themes, including survival, human nature, and the impact of a global catastrophe on personal and social relationships. The central theme is the psychological and physical effects of sleep deprivation on both individuals and society. The film also delves into the ethical questions surrounding the exploitation of people’s rare abilities and the moral dilemmas that arise when survival is at stake.
The film’s style is a mix of action and psychological thriller, with a focus on tension and suspense. As the characters move through a world on the brink of collapse, the sense of urgency and danger is ever-present. The cinematography emphasizes the dystopian nature of the setting, often showing bleak, desolate landscapes and the chaos of a society on the verge of collapse.
Additionally, Awake plays with the concept of how humanity reacts under extreme stress, particularly in terms of family dynamics. Jill’s relationship with her children is tested as they navigate the dangers of the new world, adding an emotional layer to the survival story.
The narrative also reflects on the theme of personal redemption. Jill is not only trying to save her family, but also confronts her own past, including her mistakes and flaws, which adds depth to her character arc.
Audience Reception
Awake received mixed to average reviews from critics. Many appreciated the concept of a world without sleep and the psychological toll it took on society. The performance of Gina Rodriguez as the central character was praised, with critics noting her strong presence and emotional depth in portraying a mother willing to sacrifice everything for her children.
However, some critics felt that the film’s plot became predictable and formulaic, with the dystopian setting and themes of survival not offering anything particularly new. Others felt that the film’s pacing was uneven, with some parts of the story feeling rushed or underdeveloped.
Despite the mixed reviews, the film found an audience among viewers who enjoy survival thrillers with an emotional core. Its portrayal of a global crisis and the psychological impacts of sleep deprivation made it a unique addition to the genre.
Box Office and Success
Awake was released on Netflix in May 2021, bypassing a traditional theatrical release. As a Netflix original film, it was part of the streaming service’s broad portfolio of films released directly to its platform. While exact box office numbers are not available due to the nature of its release, the film generated substantial viewership on Netflix, as it was featured prominently on the platform.
The film’s success can be measured by its popularity among Netflix audiences, particularly those who enjoy high-stakes survival stories and character-driven dramas.
Conclusion
Awake (2021) is a tense and emotionally charged thriller that blends survival drama with psychological exploration. Directed by Mark Raso, the film is an exploration of what happens when society faces an unprecedented crisis, and how people struggle to hold on to their humanity in the face of disaster. With strong performances, particularly by Gina Rodriguez, and an intriguing premise, the movie offers an intense, if sometimes uneven, look at the fragility of civilization. Fans of dystopian films and survival thrillers will find Awake to be a compelling and thought-provoking watch.
