“Dead Awake” is a 2017 horror film that delves into the terrifying world of sleep paralysis. Directed by Phillip Guzman and written by Jeffrey Reddick, the movie explores a phenomenon that immobilizes its victims between the stages of wakefulness and sleep, leaving them vulnerable to sinister supernatural entities.
The film follows Kate Bowman, a social worker played by Jocelin Donahue, who encounters a series of mysterious deaths linked to sleep paralysis. As she digs deeper, she discovers an evil presence that preys on people during their most vulnerable state: while they dream. The premise is intriguing, tapping into a common fear and the vulnerability of being unable to move or cry for help.
Despite its promising concept, “Dead Awake” received a lukewarm reception from critics and audiences alike. It holds an 11% Tomatometer rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with a slightly better audience score of 16%. Critics have pointed out that the film fails to fully capitalize on its premise, resulting in a narrative that feels lackluster and predictable.
The performances, particularly by Donahue, are commendable, but they are not enough to save the film from its plodding pace and by-the-numbers execution. The characters lack depth, making it difficult for the audience to invest in their fates. The horror elements, while occasionally effective, often fall into the trap of genre clichés, failing to bring anything new to the table.
One of the more positive reviews comes from Wicked Horror, which described “Dead Awake” as “slight but scary, simple but tough and, at times, crawlingly creepy”. This suggests that the film may have its moments of genuine fright, but they are few and far between.
If you are interested in movie about sleep paralysis, do check out horror documentary called Nightmare.
In the Nutshell
“Dead Awake” is a film that had the potential to offer a fresh take on the horror genre but ultimately succumbs to its own limitations. It might be worth a watch for fans of supernatural thrillers, but it’s unlikely to leave a lasting impression. For those interested in the subject of sleep paralysis, the film might provide some chilling moments, but it doesn’t quite live up to the promise of its premise. I give 2 out of 5 stars.
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Genre: Sleep Paralysis
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