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Dead Awake

Name: Dead Awake
Director: Phillip Guzman
Released: 2016
Duration: 99 min

Representation Score

5.0/10

Fair

2016

Director

Phillip Guzman

Runtime

99 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Dead Awake is a conventional horror film that leans heavily on genre clichés. While the main character, Kate Bowman, showcases professional expertise, the film does not actively challenge established cinematic norms related to identity. The story primarily revolves around the Bowman family and individual survival, resulting in limited representation of diverse racial and cultural backgrounds. Additionally, the film does not explore LGBTQ+ identities or perspectives. Furthermore, neurological conditions such as sleep paralysis are utilized as horror devices, rather than offering nuanced portrayals of disability.

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Category Breakdown

Does Dead Awake have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not feature any identifiable LGBTQ+ characters or storylines. It stays within a traditional framework focusing on personal loss and supernatural survival without incorporating queer identities.

How does Dead Awake portray gender?

Fair

Kate Bowman, as a social worker, exhibits strong professional capabilities. However, the narrative sticks closely to the typical 'survivor' storyline.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Dead Awake?

Limited

The cast predominantly features Anglo-Saxon actors, and the story centers around the Bowman family, which limits the diversity of racial backgrounds.

How does Dead Awake represent religion and culture?

Fair

The exploration of ancient evil and metaphysical themes does not challenge Western cultural norms. Instead, it emphasizes the family unit as the focal point of vulnerability.

Does Dead Awake include disability representation?

Limited

Sleep paralysis is used as a key plot device for horror. This approach leverages neurological issues to create fear, rather than delving into the lived experiences of those with disabilities.

Present on Screen

Kate Bowman, as a social worker, demonstrates significant professional capability.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks diverse racial and ethnic representation, sticking to a more homogenous cast.
There are no LGBTQ+ characters or perspectives included in the narrative.
Neurological conditions like sleep paralysis are used as horror devices rather than nuanced depictions of disability.
The story does not offer a broader critique of cultural or Western institutions.

Official Synopsis

Kate Bowman (Jocelin Donahue) is an average social worker who, after the sudden death of her twin sister, is investigating the mysterious deaths of other people who died in their sleep. Shortly before their deaths, the victims all reported a supernatural force that appeared to them while they were suffering from sleep paralysis. When Kate investigates further into the case, she opens herself up to the creature's wrath and soon finds herself and her family suffering from an ancient evil.

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