Wide awake

A retired detective grappling with the unresolved disappearance of his daughter years ago receives a cryptic message that reopens the cold case. He partners with a determined young journalist to investigate a shadowy organization that may hold the key to his daughter's fate, delving into a conspiracy that blurs the lines between reality and delusion. As they uncover disturbing truths, the detective must confront his own demons and race against time to find answers before the past consumes him entirely.

While "Wide Awake" attempts a compelling mystery, critical reception has been mixed. Reviewers often praise the film's atmospheric tension and Bill Pullman's performance, but many find the plot convoluted and the pacing uneven, leading to a less satisfying conclusion than intended.

• Praised for its moody atmosphere and Pullman's committed performance.

• Criticized for a confusing and overly intricate plot that doesn't fully deliver.

• The film struggles with pacing, leading to a sense of disjointedness.

Google audience: Audiences found the film intriguing and appreciated the suspenseful elements, with many highlighting Bill Pullman's compelling portrayal. However, a significant portion of viewers expressed frustration with the convoluted narrative and a lack of clear resolution, with some feeling the mystery became too hard to follow.

Director Peter Howitt reportedly drew inspiration from his own experiences with lucid dreaming when crafting the film's more surreal sequences.