REVIEW: “Wake Up” (2025) – A Daring Horror-Thriller
Wake Up, directed by the talented duo Anouk Whissell and Yoann-Karl Whissell, boldly reimagines a familiar horror trope with a fresh twist that will leave fans craving more. This film masterfully combines elements of suspense and dark humor, proving that even the simplest ideas can materialize into a phenomenal cinematic experience.
The Premise: An Audacious Activist Venture
At the heart of Wake Up is a story about six young activists-turned-vandals who devise an ill-considered plan to protest a notorious home improvement superstore linked to numerous animal welfare violations. Led by Ethan (played by Benny O. Arthur), the ensemble cast includes Tyler (Kyle Scudder), seasoned activist Yasmin (Jacqueline Moré), playful jokester Grace (Alessia-Yoko Fontana), flirty Emily (Charlotte Stoiber), and the naive newcomer Karim (Thomas Gould). Their mission? Create a buzz for their cause in a way that will dramatically backfire.
The Set-Up: Inside the Store
As night descends, the group sneaks into the store, hiding until closing time. Once the lights flicker out, they emerge, armed with papier-mâché masks and a camera to document their escapades for social media. What initially appears as an audacious caper quickly reveals its flaws, and it doesn’t take long for audiences to sense that their plan is riddled with glaring oversights.
An Unlikely Encounter: The Guards
Inside, two security guards—Kevin (Turlough Convery) and his half-drunk brother Jack (Aidan O’Hare)—remain blissfully unaware of the chaos unfolding on their watch. Kevin, a primal hunting enthusiast, is volatile by nature, while Jack tries to keep his brother in check. Their skimming of the situation ultimately leads to a confrontation that spirals out of control when tragedy strikes. Jack accidentally dies during a chaotic clash, triggering Kevin’s latent psychopathy and morphing him into a savage hunter.
Chasing Shadows: Classic Slasher Meets Survival Horror
From this pivotal moment onward, Wake Up dramatically evolves into a nail-biting survival tale intertwined with old-school slasher elements. The film skillfully amplifies tension as the remaining activists attempt to evade Kevin, who revels in his newfound role as the predator. The film’s ambiance is laced with suspenseful beats, punctuated by graphic yet fittingly entertaining kills that will satisfy genre enthusiasts.
The Climax: A Surprising Conclusion
The film’s ending, while not revolutionary, delivers a satisfying jolt that defies typical genre expectations, leaving viewers reeling. Yet, Wake Up is not without its flaws. It occasionally succumbs to familiar genre traps, including questionable character decisions and lapses in logic, punctuated by an underlying absurdity that might make some viewers roll their eyes. Nonetheless, the film garners its entertainment value through meticulous execution and direction from the Whissells. Their commitment to the horror genre shines, making each scene pulse with energy and anticipation.
Final Reception: A Thrilling Watch
In summary, Wake Up takes an innocuous premise and turns it into a gripping horror-thriller that resonates with its audience. It may tread well-worn paths of slasher films, but the Whissell’s insight into human behavior and their strategic tension-building make it a standout piece in today’s cinematic landscape. If you’re searching for a film that serves both thrills and dark humor, grab some popcorn and prepare for a wild ride—Wake Up is a compelling journey into madness!
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