Awake (III) (2021) User Reviews

Ok but something missing

[oldpaperpeddlers · 5/10 · 13 June 2021]

Movie has an interesting premise but like Greenland, another "disaster" movie I watched recently, it's as if the writers imagined the film as sci-fi but hadn't a clue how to actually write a plot with science, so they threw a few crumbs in the plot to get it going then Awake turned into a road trip to nothing. The characters were unable to sleep but I didn't have any trouble....

The movie is more about a former soldier/mom/recovering drug abuser and her vulnerabilities, which is generally fine, but like Greenland, Awake falls into one complication after the other in an attempt to get to safety / find a cure which, again is generally ok, but it should have had some science along the way to make it seem like a, well, sci-fi. In the beginning of the movie just after the accident the movie seemed to actually skip an important piece of information--where the characters become aware of the inability to sleep. Seems there would have been more buzz about that moment. Instead the movie jumps ahead like we're supposed to know that the world, except for two people, can't sleep and will go crazy and die. Well, nothing interesting (sciency) really happens from there. And the ending? What ending? It is a CHEAP shot by a writer to avoid a real ending. Go ahead and watch the film if you have nothing better to do just to check out that... ending. The little girl who couldn't sleep did a fine job acting. Gina Rodriguez is good a playing a vulnerable but tough mom who does a lot of sobbing like mom's are supposed to do. She's also good at playing characters who sound like they have asthma and no inhaler.

Could have been a better movie. I wouldn't have paid money to see it (well I sorta did since I'm a Netflix sub). Was hoping for more.

Standard Netflix Production

[Tweetienator · 4/10 · 9 June 2021]

Some people compare Awake with Bird Box (S. Bullock) but whereas I was highly entertained and thrilled by the latter one (my rate: 7), I watched Awake rather drowned in an ocean of indifference. Awake simply lacks of thrill and action and the story told unfolds very slowly and there are just too many scenes and dialogues that are all cliche in. In this sense Awake reminds me a lot of Greenland (2020, Gerard Butler), which also tells us a story that works more or less on auto-pilot: scenes after scenes we watched million times before. In short: the script is (like in so many movies these days) the weakest link (the ending is not only a cheap twist but a joke too), and whereas movies like Bird Box or The Road are top contributions to the genre of post-apocalyptic movies, Awake sails close on the edge of boredom.

Last note: the writer and director should have done some experiments with sleep deprivation: I managed 10 days (back then in my younger years) without the necessity of a visit of a mental institute and/or the notion to run havoc or beat up my fellow humans ;)

Not worth your time

[genehenson · 2/10 · 9 June 2021]

I was going to write a full review of this, but it's not worth my time to write it or your time to read it.

Do yourself a favor and watch anything else.

A refreshingly non-Hollywoodish realistic-feel sort-of-sci-fi.

[Top_Dawg_Critic · 8/10 · 10 June 2021]

Wow the the critics went real hard on this one. I was fully engaged, and in a state of anxiety and suspense from start to finish.

As a hardcore sci-fi fan, this isn't one of those Hollywood-styled futuristic aliens and spaceships take over the world type film. But instead, something more current and relatable (solar flares) and down to earth. When you hear about a film that includes world-wide unexplained insomniacs, you assume just another zombie movie. I'm really grateful that wasn't the case here, as I'm tired of zombie movies - unless they are funny and include Woody Harrelson in them. In fact, I felt the story's concept was brilliant and well executed.

The 96 min runtime was just right and paced perfectly. This film was shot really well, with great cinematography, and a very fitting and decent score. Mad props to the director and writers - all fairly newb filmmakers, for creating non-stop anxiety and suspense right from the get go. Casting and performances were on point, with Rodriguez at her best, playing a mother trying to teach her daughter fast-tracked end-of-the-world survival skills, but stealing the show was the young Ariana Greenblatt as Matilda, who was outstanding.

Many didn't like the ending, which I couldn't understand why, because I thought it ended perfectly, with the option left open for a part two. Fingers crossed! It's well deserved 8/10 from me.

Really Enjoyed It

[BlueMosaics · 7/10 · 12 June 2021]

This was a good story and was definitely worth my time. I love apocalyptic, sci-fi stories, so I watched this as soon as it came out. I was on the edge of my seat through most of it. It's true that there's a weird religious part in the film, but it was brief and insignificant. Seriously, it's not worth mentioning. The person who complained about it was probably hoping for another Hollywood flash and bang film. I also enjoyed the film because I'm a mother and could relate to how the main character protected her children.

I was disappointed that the movie was kind of short, and there could have been more character development for some of the actors. The kids in the film were great, and so was the leading lady. If you're expecting an earth-shaking movie, then this is probably not for you. If you're hoping to just catch a good movie, then I suggest you give this a try.

Average movie, poor ending.

[krissdelhi · 5/10 · 9 June 2021]

Movie couldn't hold my interest much but I finished it hoping for a good climax, but it ended in disappointment.

Awake will make you fall asleep

[kreminal · 9 June 2021]

"Awake" is pure chaos..There was not a single scene that caught my attention. Watch something else instead.

Wasted opportunity

[hcb-80 · 3/10 · 13 June 2021]

My guess is the pitch that made Netflix give the greenlight was convincing. But...

Likeability of protagonists: close to zero.

Pacing of story: not working

Gory scenes: I feel nothing.

I could go on, but let's just say it doesn't work.

To the filmmakers: if you get the greenlight, don't screw it up like this.

Magnificently Creative Concept fails to create the magic

[pawanpunjabithewriter · 7/10 · 9 June 2021]

The concept was magnificently structured and was something new to watch out. It started off incredibly well increasing my expectations to another level, however, failed to deliver. The Gina-Rodriguez centric film, in which she, no doubt, did a wonderful job, doesn't quite get the edge in the middle. It lacks the superior intensity in the second half. It could have easily been one of the best movies of 2021, although isn't a complete mess, however, doesn't quite amuse. It is without a doubt entertaining and the captivating genre keeps you interesting enough. Average, recommended for some.

Pure garbage

[Moviedog26 · 1/10 · 9 June 2021]

I couldn't take more than 15 minutes watching. Just pure garbage. I think it took 2 hours to write this script after reading some recent news. Draw your own conclusions.

Cool Film

[destiny_west · 7/10 · 20 March 2023]

I saw Awake when it first came out on Netflix but just watched it again to review it for here.

I remembered liking it the first time. I loved the story idea. Not being able to sleep. I've had a severe case of insomnia for 6 weeks and was in out of ER because of it. I know how much I was in despair, so the idea of this film creeps the hell out of me.

The film has a certain amount of predictability to it, but that is what is to be expected.

Gina Rodriguez as Jill is good. I was a huge fan of Gina's and loved her in Jane the Virgin until it became so woke and focused on politics that I stopped watching it.

Regardless, if you like films like Bird Box, The Silence, even War of the Worlds or I am Legend, you should like Awake. The acting is all good.

Yes there are definitely flaws, but its a movie.

It's enjoyable.

I actually enjoyed it!!!!

[j-braveheart · 8/10 · 9 June 2021]

Big apocalyptic movie fan. And it's been a while since a good one. And i have to say, waiting on a good end of the world flick (still waiting) this was a fun and in my opinion good movie to entertaining me while i wait longer for a real good movie.

So this is definitely a good enough movie, the acting is good. The storyline is okay. The end is predictable but so what.

If you're in to this genre you will most definitely appreciate this movie. The first well attempt for a no sleeping disaster script.

I liked it! It deserves a higher grade.

It's kinda disappointing. I was hoping for more.

[trishiamae-78271 · 6/10 · 9 June 2021]

There was no background to the problem. Lacking good cinematography. Although, it has an interesting story that nobody could sleep.

Bad !

[pdbodyshop · 1/10 · 9 June 2021]

This movie is bad. I mean really bad. Started off fairly well but from the first few minutes it spiraled downward pretty quickly. IMO it's definitely not worth the watch.

Lots of potential that ended up in mediocrity...

[paul_haakonsen · 5/10 · 26 July 2021]

Sure, "Awake" was watchable, but the movie was just one of those movie that you watch once, because it is adequately entertaining, but then you forget about the movie and never return to it again.

And that is because there were just way too many things in the movie that made so little sense. I especially found it ludicrous that society would break out in anarchy after such a short time. Sure, I get that staying awake for prolonged periods of time starts to affect the brain, but come on, for people to start looting, killing each other and such, nah, that was just a bit too far fetched.

The storyline in "Awake" definitely had some interesting enough aspects. But ultimately, then writers Joseph Raso, Mark Raso and Gregory Poirier just managed to come up with a mediocre storyline.

I will say that the acting performances put on in "Awake" were fair, and while I am not overly familiar with actress Gina Rodriguez, she actually carried the movie quite well with her performance.

I had expected a bit more from director Mark Raso with this 2021 movie. Sure, it made for an adequate enough watch, but it just wasn't a wow-moment.

My rating of "Awake" lands on a bland five out of ten stars.

Lackluster in every way

[ekali-39562 · 4/10 · 9 June 2021]

I was looking forward to this but after watching it I can't give you one good reason to watch it. Good premise just seemed like they didn't know how to build on except for the church scene. And the last third of the movie and the ending is garbage. Save your time.

A good movie

[nickpedersen · 7/10 · 10 June 2021]

The story is interesting, and the actors is doing a good job.

I like the pace and the storytelling of the movie.

Compared to most of the bs that comes out from Netflix, this one is a blockbuster!

Utter, utter, utter rubbish

[boydpeters · 3/10 · 9 June 2021]

Pathetic.

Awful character A. 1 dimensional.

Written by the Left Behind people? There are few words.

Its Hopelessness hidden by a mother with diminishing mind

Zero sense of urgency

Low bar these days on what constitutes a storyline, and writing.

An apocalyptic thriller for intelligent people

[Nathan-Kaye · 7/10 · 12 June 2021]

Great premise. Executed very well indeed. Those that are giving it bad reviews probably just wanted action-type titillation, but the way this was crafted really put you in the mindset of what it would be like to be in such a situation and trying to save your child whilst knowing that you aren't likely to survive yourself.

Worth the watch

[nicholsjillian · 8/10 · 12 June 2021]

If you like sci-fi and apocalypse movies, this movie is a must watch. Acting was good and I actually couldn't predict what the outcome of the movie would be, which is a plus. Tired of the same old predictable movies. This was an interesting action packed watch all the way through and it wasn't to drawn out of a movie. It was straight to the point.

Sleepless

[kosmasp · 6/10 · 29 August 2021]

A really interesting main and central idea ... what would happen if for some reason we couldn't sleep anymore? And would there be some people who were immune to that? Also would that be mother nature getting rid of us? So many questions, almost none will be answered to most viewers satisfaction I reckon.

The movie is anything but perfect and filled with cliches. Predictable and sort of weird in not a good sense at places. Convenient road interactions aside and the ever reliable bad military trope ... there is fun to be had, if you suspend your disbelief and make it work yourself.

You're not supposed to film a first draft

[superfox_888 · 4/10 · 12 June 2021]

Did anyone read the script before they filmed it? Nothing in the "plot" makes sense; giant leaps of logic are made with no explanation.

As a result, there's no tension, which is critical for a film like this. I suspect it's trying to be a cross between A Quiet Place and Bird Box, but it's more like a train wreck where the train is Thomas the Tank Engine hitting a lame duck and derailing.

Give this film a miss and go watch grass grow or something.

Poor

[rhofik · 3/10 · 12 June 2021]

Hoped to be a good one by name and theme, but after 15min it went terribly south. Bad choice of main actress, poor acting overall, unrealistic behaviour of ppl...

Go and watch something else. Not worth spending time on this.

Really great idea. Really poorly executed

[colliervillekids · 1/10 · 10 June 2021]

This movie was the worst movie I've watched this year. It's bad. The trailer was well done but the movie is not. I feel tricked.

The ending was not like one that leaves it up to your imagination and doesn't tie up loose ends. It's just like the writers got tired of writing and also no big climax scene and no answers to the main point of the entire movie. I'm not sure how they got decent actors to partake in this trash film. So many better movies out to waste time on this.

Entertaining. Stick with it.

[terrylarosa · 7/10 · 11 June 2021]

I don't know why people are ragging on the movie, it's definitely watchable; unlike that tedious trash Joker which was terminally boring. It improves in the second half which is fairly action packed. Mostly good acting; especially the Mom and her daughter. Easily figured out why Matilda can sleep before it became apparent but it didn't detract any. Ignore the haters with their lousy taste and judge for yourself. You might be surprised. Solid thriller.