Watch The Awakening

The Awakening is a psychological thriller set in post-World War I England, directed and co-written by Nick Murphy. The film follows Florence Cathcart (Rebecca Hall), a charismatic author and investigator of supernatural hoaxes, who is approached by Robert Mallory (Dominic West), a teacher at a remote boys' boarding school, to investigate the alleged sighting of a ghost that has caused a stir among students and staff. Florence accepts the invitation and travels to the school with her equipment and her skeptical attitude.

Upon arrival, she meets Robert and the headmistress Maud (Imelda Staunton), who warn her that the school has suffered a tragedy in the past and that the ghost may be connected to it. Florence dismisses their claims and sets up her cameras and gadgets to catch any evidence of fraud or trickery. However, as she ventures deeper into the school's dark corners and hidden secrets, she begins to experience unsettling phenomena that challenge her rational mind.

As Florence spends more time in the school, she starts to uncover clues about the past events that have left their mark on the place and the people. She learns about a boy named Thomas, who died mysteriously in his dormitory, and about the reclusive history teacher (John Shrapnel), who may have played a role in his death. She also meets a young pupil (Isaac Hempstead-Wright), who claims to have seen the ghost and who may know more than he lets on.

As Florence's investigation intensifies, so does her own haunted past, which she has tried to suppress through her work. She is haunted by the memory of her lover (Joseph Mawle), who died in the war and left her with a sense of guilt and loss. Her encounters with the ghost, whether real or imagined, force her to confront her own fears and beliefs about the afterlife.

The Awakening blends elements of horror, drama, and mystery into a compelling narrative that keeps the audience guessing until the end. The cinematography and art direction create a moody and atmospheric setting that adds to the film's sense of dread and suspense. The performances by the main cast are nuanced and believable, particularly Rebecca Hall as the conflicted and intelligent protagonist. The themes of loss, grief, and trauma are handled with sensitivity and depth, and the film avoids cheap jump scares or gratuitous violence.

Overall, The Awakening is a well-crafted, haunting film that deserves more recognition than it received upon its initial release. It is a tribute to classic horror films of the past while also offering a fresh take on the genre. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, it will leave you with a lingering sense of unease and contemplation.

The Awakening is a 2012 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 53.