Awoken

Awoken is a chilling Australian horror film directed by Daniel J. Phillips. This gripping supernaturally-infused story was released in 2019 and is packed with dark secrets,errie moments and will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Based on a grim premise, the movie presents its terrifying plot in an engaging way that's sure to give you goosebumps.

The film is brought to life by the performances of Erik Thomson, Sara West and Benson Jack Anthony. Each of these individuals possesses a compelling presence, creating characters that are both touching and convincingly terrified. You can't help but get attached to them despite the dire circumstances they're thrust into.

Sara West stars as Karla, a talented medical student who specializes in sleep disorders. Her character is smart and driven, but also profoundly affected by her brother Blake's battle with severe insomnia. Benson Jack Anthony portrays Blake, Karla's ill brother whose struggle with this debilitating disorder takes on progressively sinister implications. Erik Thomson, recognizable from his roles in television series such as Packed to the Rafters and The Code, plays Robert, a doctor who serves as an academic mentor and advisor to Karla.

The plot follows Karla as she tries to uncover the mystery behind her brother's worsening condition. As an aspiring doctor with a keen interest in sleep disorders, she dives headfirst into trying to cure her brother's fatal insomnia - an illness which prevents its victims from sleeping, eventually leading to death. She soon finds out, however, that her brother's suffering may have much more dark and supernatural causes than she initially thought.

The tale takes a terrifying turn as Karla uncovers her family's dark past and realizes that the root of her brother’s disorder might be buried deep within her family history. The action escalates as Karla, with the aid of Dr. Robert, must race against the clock to unravel the truth and find a cure before it's too late.

Phillips presents an intelligent horror movie that shines a light on the harrowing world of sleep disorders, wrapping it into a narrative filled with suspense, mystery, and memorable characters. Awoken manages to hold onto a realistic touch amidst its supernatural phenomena, largely due to the well-researched details about fatal familial insomnia. The film does a commendable job of blending an array of emotions, from frustration and desperation to fear and a lingering sadness.

Awoken is not just a horror story about a deadly curse; it's a psychological thriller that explores the nuances of family bonds, the desperation to save a loved one, and the price one is willing to pay to do so. In combining the supernatural with the scientific, Awoken also offers its audience a thrilling intellectual puzzle. For those who like their horror spiked with some unsolvable mysteries and a thought-provoking plot, this film is not to be missed.

The cinematography is dark, moody and complements the plot in all the right ways, adding to the creepy aura of the story. The director has worked the elements of horror in such a way that it makes for a spooky atmospherical watch rather than relying on cheap scares. The score beautifully compliments the film's brooding atmosphere, adding another dimension to the feelings of tension and unease.

In a genre often cluttered with routine and redundant plots, Awoken distinguishes itself with its unique premise and intelligent narrative. It's a thrilling roller-coaster ride of dark discoveries, supernatural terror and an in-depth look into the very real horrors of fatal insomnia.

This chilling tale will keep you wide-awake, long after the film has ended. It's a gripping, spooky, and thought-provoking tale that successfully combines horror and mystery with a dose of medical intrigue. Perfect for those who enjoy a suspenseful movie night filled with plenty of frights and a hearty helping of mystery. So, if you're prepared for a sleepless night, Awoken is a must-watch!