Wake Up (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
In the latest film from the RKSS filmmaking collective, Wake Up (2024), audiences are taken on a violent, pulse-pounding journey through a night of survival in a large, empty furniture store. Directed by François Simard, Anouk Whissell, and Yoann-Karl Whissell, the movie presents a gritty and brutal take on activism gone wrong, mixing slasher elements with social commentary. The film follows a group of young activists who find themselves hunted by a deranged security guard, Kevin (Turlough Convery), after breaking into a superstore for an environmental protest.
With its themes of misguided activism and primal survival instincts, Wake Up succeeds in offering a modern slasher that’s both bloody and intense, but how does it hold up compared to other films in the genre? Let’s dive into the details and find out where you can stream or purchase this new release.
The Plot: When Activism Meets Survival
The film’s story centers around Ethan (Benny O. Arthur), a passionate young activist, and his group of eco-warrior friends. They plan a protest by vandalizing the displays of a large chain store to expose its environmental impact. But their seemingly foolproof plan goes sideways when they encounter Kevin, the store’s security guard who has been forced to work the night shift as punishment. Kevin, who has recently had to give up a weekend of primitive hunting, now finds an opportunity to indulge his violent urges by hunting down the activists, turning the store into a deadly trap.
As the group scrambles to survive the night, Wake Up slowly shifts from a tale of social justice into a horror-thriller, with Kevin setting up booby traps and wielding makeshift weapons. The film delivers suspenseful chases and creative kills, keeping viewers on edge as the body count rises. RKSS strips away the gloss of their earlier work (Turbo Kid, Summer of 84) in favor of a grittier, blood-soaked experience, but this pared-down approach does leave some characters feeling underdeveloped.
Themes and Execution: Social Commentary and Slasher Thrills
At its core, Wake Up balances two main themes: the folly of performative activism and the thrill of survival in extreme circumstances. The group of Gen Z activists is portrayed as more concerned with social media appearances than genuine activism, making them easy targets not just for Kevin, but also for the film’s sharp critique. Despite their good intentions, the activists come across as self-centered and naive, adding to the film’s message about the shallow nature of modern-day protests.
Kevin, on the other hand, is a chilling antagonist. Convery’s performance as the unhinged security guard is a standout, making Kevin one of the more memorable slasher villains in recent years. His descent into madness is well executed, as he transforms the mundane setting of a furniture store into a terrifying hunting ground.
While Wake Up does touch on topical issues like environmentalism and activism, it doesn’t dive too deeply into these themes, instead choosing to focus on its horror elements. This decision works in favor of the film’s pace, as it keeps the action moving, but it may leave some viewers wanting more in terms of character development and depth.
Streaming Services: Where to Watch Wake Up Online
As of now, Wake Up (2024) is available for streaming on several platforms in the U.S. Below is a list of popular services where you can catch the film either through a streaming subscription or rental/purchase:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rent or purchase.
- Apple TV: Rent or buy in high-definition.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Available for rental or purchase.
- Vudu: Watch by renting or purchasing in HD.
These streaming services provide both rental and purchase options, allowing you to choose the viewing experience that best suits your needs. Prices for rentals usually range between $3.99 and $5.99, while buying the movie typically costs between $9.99 and $14.99, depending on the platform.
Visuals, Directing, and Performances
While Wake Up is primarily a slasher film, it still benefits from solid directing and cinematography. The RKSS trio does an excellent job of using the superstore’s sprawling layout to create a claustrophobic atmosphere. As the characters navigate the dark, maze-like aisles and storage areas, tension builds effectively, making the audience feel trapped along with them. The film’s lighting and camera work contribute to this sense of unease, especially during Kevin’s pursuit of his prey.
The film also benefits from the strong performances of its cast. Benny O. Arthur stands out as Ethan, the reluctant leader of the activist group, while Kyle Scudder brings a surprising depth to Tyler, one of the newer recruits. However, it’s Turlough Convery who steals the show as Kevin, the brutal and terrifying security guard. His portrayal of a man on the edge, pushed to violence, adds a chilling layer to the film’s atmosphere.
Final Verdict: A Tense, Blood-Soaked Ride
Wake Up is not without its flaws, but it succeeds in delivering a tense and thrilling experience. It may not reach the thematic heights of some of its predecessors, like Assault on Precinct 13 or Battle Royale, but its brutal kills and relentless pacing make it a fun watch for slasher fans. RKSS’s shift toward a more grounded, less stylized approach might feel like a step back for some, but it ultimately works in the context of this story.
If you’re looking for a slasher film that offers a mix of social commentary, bloody thrills, and memorable performances, Wake Up (2024) should be on your watchlist.
