Review of The Awakening (2011) by Chris B — 24 Nov 2011

1 = Avoid 2 =Only see if very bored 3 = Worth a watch 4 = Try to see this 5 = Do not miss.

The premise, whilst not being original, was enough to get me interested - Creepy old building, feisty heroine out to debunk the haunting in the aftermath of WW1. For about a fortnight before it's release, I saw the trailer at about every movie I went to. Unfortunately the build up only led to a disappointment. Atmosphere is created effectively through period sets and the gothic gloom the pervades the proceedings. The story is slow burning at first, with little happening of note until about half way through. After that the twists are too radical and preposterous to take seriously. Most of all, it lacks any decent scares. Several times the tension builds only to lead to a standard 'sudden appearence'. Performances are good but subdued and more suited to the small screen. In fact this would have been better split into three or so episodes and screened as a T.V. drama. November 24,.