On DVD and Blu Ray - "The Awakening" - This solid little Supernatural Thriller/Ghost Story/Mystery is well worth a peek for those interested- it doesn't really enter new territory, though it's commendably well-crafted and effectively creepy. Made in the U.K. and produced by BBC Films, it's a lower budgeted, old-fashioned affair highlighted by some atmospheric cinematography and fine performances from Rebecca Hall, Dominic West and Imelda Staunton. Thus far, it's my favorite "little gem" released in 2013.
Rebecca Hall (The Town) stars as an educated woman and author in 1921 England who works as a Hoax debunker for the authorities. Approached by teacher, Dominic West (HBO's The Wire), she hesitantly visits a countryside boarding school to investigate the strange circumstances surrounding the death of a child and sightings of a ghost. Shortly after reaching the school, she is introduced to the curiously adoring Governess "Maud", portrayed by Imelda Staunton (Harry Potter and The Order of The Phoenix), and begins to experience eerie, unexplainable events that slowly start to chip away at her professional pride and skeptical nature.
Although the small principle cast is pretty much pitch perfect, Rebecca Hall is a clear standout as "Florence Cathcart"- there's a surprising, undeniable depth in her performance that's decidedly uncommon for under the radar, straight to video releases of this nature. One would hope that a sizable role in the the upcoming Iron Man 3 will launch her into the forefront of sought after, quality actresses- it's a status she's well deserving of that I had previously believed would have been the result of her excellent performance in The Town.
It's rather cool that Dominic West is allowed to stretch out a bit in a substantial role and play against recent type- he's usually a villainous sort and once again proves that he's a quality talent that should be considered for larger, leading roles. Imelda Staunton is an example of perfect casting in a limited but lingering role, while distinct-featured Joseph Mawle (Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter) pops up a few times as an ominous groundskeeper. HBO's Game of Thrones fans will recognize the young Isaac Hempstead Wright as the pupil who takes a shine to Florence.
Comparisons to The Orphanage, The Sixth Sense and The Others (which the above poster boasts) are inevitable yet accurate- I guess I'd throw in The Innocents (1961) and The Devil's Backbone, as well. It doesn't pack the punch that any one of those aforementioned films does but should please fans of the Ghost Story genre hungry for a throwback-style fix. Fans of films like The Devil Inside, The Possession and the Paranormal Activity series need not apply- there's an obvious level of quality creativity and talent on display with a little bit of thought necessary... we wouldn't want to confuse them, now would we?
Recommended
7.5 out of 10
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