O Despertar

(2012) After PSYCHOLOGICAL HORROR

Co-written and directed by Ryan Whitaker with Ana (Karolina Wydra) and Freddy (Steven Strait) who happen to ride on the same bus, toward a small part of town called "Pearl". The next scene has that bus getting into an accident with Ana waking up on her own bed, unbeknownst to her that there is no one in town other than the person she rode on the same bus with. If I were to reveal anymore would be to spoil it. The only thing I am going to say is that if one were to watch enough movies that has a similar ending to this movie, one would not be too surprised about it anymore.

I liked this movie and the few twists they threw in! Definitely worth a watch!

I feel like the ratings are giving this movie a bit of a beating, and unfairly so.

I appreciate that this is not a mind-blowing blockbuster, but - taken in context - it is just a beautiful dark-tale. Someone previously mentioned 'pace' issues, but I didn't actually find it a fault.

The two leads are strong and believable, even facing such a fantastical race to find a reason for what is happening. I think it is cleverly wrote to piece together the mystery.

A few other reviews have mentioned 'Silent Hill', but if you are anything like me and a big wimp when it comes to horror... please don't be put off as although a bit nail-biting at times, it is far from 'Horror'.

If you don't go in expecting it to change your life, then I would seriously recommend this film.

I freely admit, at first going in, I was more than a bit skeptical, but the key here is, you have to stick with it to really appreciate the concept, and the message.

Kudos to a well crafted story, even if it was produced with a very minimal budget. Sometimes, a good film doesn't need huge production extravaganza effects and big name stars to convey a concept that will stick with you, make you remember and perhaps think just a bit.

This is just such an example.

I won't even attempt to explain the story as it unfolds, as that would risk possible unintentional spoilers, so nary a clue here.

I'm not familiar with Jason Parish or Ryan Smith, but they deserve considerable credit for creating so much with so little, and really making it work.

Karolina Wydra's performance was maybe a bit overly expressive, but then again, she is something of a cartoon character come to life as it were, so perhaps that caricature is the perfect match for her part here. OK, that's just a clue . . .

Anyway, even if this is not your usual cup of tea, I'd say give it a watch, you're not likely to regret the time spent.

I wasn't expecting too much going in but this movie delivered. They took a classic storyline and kept it simple with good writing. The characters are well formed with decent dialogue that was a little spotty at times but generally not too bad.

It's not a big budget blockbuster so if you go in expecting something great then you'll probably be disappointed. For such a small budget though it definitely hits above its weight.

Overall a fun indie thriller.