When I searched for movie suggestions online, I wanted something slow-paced to help me fall asleep. I came across a film with a poster that caught my attention; dim lighting and not so very familiar characters. I thought it was perfect for my mood. So I downloaded and started watching, but I ended up being completely sucked in until the credits rolled.
Awake (2007) is a psychological thriller that grips you from the start with its terrifying premise. Directed by Joby Harold, this medical thriller plays on a very real fear which I never knew existed: being awake during surgery. But, beyond the initial scare factor, the film delves into a web of deception and betrayal that unfolds in ways both shocking and, at times, a bit too melodramatic for its own good.
Synopsis
The story centers around Clay Beresford (Hayden Christensen), a wealthy young man who seems to have it all; except a functioning heart. Suffering from a severe heart condition, Clay is in desperate need of a transplant. He trusts his doctor and friend Jack with his life, going against his mother's wish to have someone else do the transplant. During the surgery, he experiences “anesthetic awareness,” a rare phenomenon where the patient is conscious and aware but completely paralyzed, unable to alert anyone to their plight. Now that's some real pain.
As Clay endures this horrifying experience, he overhears conversations that reveal a far more sinister plot at play. His seemingly perfect fiancee, Sam (Jessica Alba), his trusted surgeon and friend, Jack (Terrence Howard), and others close to him are not what they seem and as the anesthesia takes hold, Clay’s world unravels into a nightmare.
My Review and Rating
Awake plays on a terrifying concept. The thought of being awake but unable to move or speak during surgery is enough to make anyone squirm in their seat. And for the first half of the movie, it works. The tension builds as Clay goes under the knife and the horror of his situation is palpable. I found myself gripping the sheets, imagining how helpless it would feel to be conscious during such a life-threatening moment.
I'll give it to Hayden Christensen who delivers a decent performance as Clay. He captures the vulnerability and desperation of someone trapped in his own body, especially during the surgery scenes where his voiceover reflects the panic bubbling inside especially after he figured that he had been betrayed by the people he trusted.
This film is a thriller that starts strong with a spine-chilling premise but loses some of its edge as it dives into a tangled web of plot twists and melodrama. Hayden Christensen and Jessica Alba give performances that are groundbreaking and enough to keep you invested. Terrence Howard on the other hand adds much-needed depth to his role especially in the aspect of faking his love for Clay.
If you’re a fan of medical thrillers or enjoy films that keep you guessing, Awake might just be your cup of tea. I didn't expect it to be sharp and terrifying.
By the end, you’ll likely feel a mix of satisfaction and disbelief at how everything wraps up and maybe a little bewildered that these characters, who seemed to be brilliant schemers at first, could be so careless. It’s one of those movies where you enjoy the ride, but afterward, you might question the logic of it all. Still, for a tense, entertaining hour and a half, Awake delivers.
Do I recommend this film? With a good rating of 4.5/5 you know the deal.
The premise is unique and the twist is one you wouldn't expect. Worth checking out if you're in the mood for a thriller with a medical twist!