
The Awakening
2011, Horror, 1h 47m
74 Reviews 5,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
The Awakening never quite quickens the pulse the way it should, yet it remains a well-acted and handsomely assembled example of an old-fashioned supernatural thriller. Read critic reviews
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Florence Cathcart
Robert Mallory
Maud Hill
Malcolm McNair
Edward Judd
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Critic Reviews for The Awakening
All Critics (74) | Top Critics (28) | Fresh (46) | Rotten (28)
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Though the story spirals a little out of control in the film's final scenes, "The Awakening" offers the low-key pleasures of an old-fashioned thriller and a lovely central performance.
August 30, 2012 | Rating: 3/4 -
Whatever.
August 30, 2012 | Rating: 2/4 | Full Review… -
The cast is anchored by two wonderful actresses: Imelda Staunton and Rebecca Hall, whose talents are squandered on this lackluster horror drama.
August 23, 2012 | Rating: 2/4 | Full Review… -
West is so underused, he barely gets to raise an eyebrow in this watchable but pedestrian film, with Hall ghostbusting in a Downton Abbey setting. Cliched and never chilling.
August 17, 2012 | Full Review… -
When these sudden surprises work, as in "A Beautiful Mind" or "The Others," you're too stunned to swallow that next handful of popcorn; when they don't, you're tempted to throw your whole box at the screen.
August 17, 2012 | Rating: 2/4 | Full Review… -
A dull British import that never lives up to the pretensions of its period setting.
August 17, 2012 | Rating: 2/4 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for The Awakening
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Jul 12, 2016A decent period-piece horror. The mystery that unfolds is pretty intriguing, but the package it comes in is less engaging, particularly in the first half.Gimly M Super Reviewer
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Oct 08, 2015The Awakening is not a bad ghost story. One can clearly see an effort put in by the cast and crew. It is the type of film one would like to rate up. However, the Awakening has issues with plot and focus. It is somewhere caught between a detective story, a ghost story, and a drama. Unfortunately, the detective bits feel rushed without much exposition. As a drama the film also suffers, the main character crosses the line from assertive to plain rude and is not sympathetic until the end. However, the acting is fine, the film looks nice, and is a good view for fans of ghost stories.Robert B Super Reviewer
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Aug 14, 2015The Awakening is an atmospheric British horror film starring Rebecca Hall and Dominic West. Set in post-World War I England, a paranormal researcher named Florence Cathcart, who dedicates herself to exposing frauds, is enlisted to uncover the truth behind a haunting at an orphanage; but she soon discovers that there's more going on than a simple hoax. Hall gives a good performance that's full of nuance. And, the costumes and set designs are well-done; giving an authentic (and slightly creepy) feel to the film. However, the pacing's rather poor and the ghost investigation is perfunctory. Yet while it's a little monotonous at times, The Awakening is quite chilling.Dann M Super Reviewer
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Jun 28, 2015Not a bad film. I don't know if I was just not paying as much attention as I should've to this when I was watching it, but I just found it to be really confusing. Still decent though, good acting, and a nice ending. Worth checking out, but not really anything special.Stephen S Super Reviewer
The Awakening Quotes
Robert Mallory: | These boys aren't worried about bumps in the night. They are frighted... to death. |
Florence Cathcart: | You can't hunt what doesn't exist. |
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