Netflix’s new thriller starring Gina Rodriguez sees the world at a point of crisis where no one can sleep, leading to a mission to discover a cure…
Director: Mark Raso
Starring: Gina Rodriguez, Ariana Greenblatt, Shamier Anderson
Running time: 97 minutes
Former soldier Jill (Gina Rodriguez) is a troubled single mother currently working in security. One day, she goes to pick up her two children Noah (Lucius Hoyos) and Matilda (Ariana Greenblatt) when their car power goes off and surrounding cars are out of control. They crash into a lake, narrowly avoiding death. Later, Jill and her children discover the power is off across the world, and a strange result of this is no one can fall asleep – that is, besides Jill’s daughter Matilda, who may be the answer to a cure.
From the start of this film, there are elements of a dystopian setting. Despite not having a tyrannical government overruling them, the characters are in the midst of global struggle as people fight for survival. It was interesting to see Gina Rodriguez in a more serious role, compared to the more laid back and innocent role she played in Jane the Virgin. She tackles the role well, as we experience her maternal love as she acts as both their protector and fighter. Although unable to sleep, she remains a strong protagonist for her children, as she guides them to safety, and prepares them – especially Matilda – for the worst.
Despite only being only 13 years old, Ariana Greenblatt plays an outstanding character in her role as Matilda. In a way, she forms the crux of the plot, and throughout the film we see her mother Jill teach her survival skills in the event that Matilda is left to fend for herself. The seriousness required from this part was undertaken greatly by the young actress, and she balances this with the character’s more emotional side.
The middle of the plot feels like it’s missing an unexpected twist to add a bit more ‘spice’ to the film
The plot is smart, and certainly gripped me into the film as someone who is not too familiar with thrillers. The ending is a clever twist, one which also includes a cliffhanger that leaves unanswered questions and the possibility of a sequel. However, in places it slightly drags on, and certainly in the middle of the plot it feels like it’s missing an unexpected twist to add a bit more ‘spice’ to the film.
Additionally, despite being linked to our main family, the children’s grandmother and legal guardian, Doris (Frances Fisher), isn’t touched upon enough in the film. In the beginning, we see Jill fight to get Matilda away from her and the church as they are keeping her there due to her connection to the cure. This setting is where the real action begins, but this part of the plot remains a stone left unturned.
Despite this, Awake keeps its promise of giving us an intelligent plot, but it could have been developed in places. The film provides a well-picked cast, a gripping watch, and the chance of a sequel from the cliff-hanger we are handed…
Did you know? Gina Rodriguez was met with backlash in 2019 after posting a video of her saying the n-word while singing The Fugees’ Ready or Not on Instagram. In an apology statement, she said: “I have some serious learning and growing to do and I am so deeply sorry for the pain I have caused.”
Awake is available on Netflix
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