Movie spotlight
Wide Awake
Filmmaker Alan Berliner chronicles his lifelong battle with insomnia in this intimate documentary. The cameras roll as he tries to quiet his overly active mind so he can get a decent night's sleep, capturing the details of what it's like to suffer from a chronic sleep disorder. As he struggles to find balance, his friends and family -- who endure the worst of Berliner's bouts with insomnia -- question whether he really wants to find a cure.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young man, grappling with the recent death of his best friend, decides to fulfill a pact they made to travel across the country together. He embarks on this journey with his friend's ashes, encountering various life lessons and self-discovery along the way. Along his travels, he reflects on his past and finds a new perspective on life and loss.
Critical Reception
Wide Awake received a mixed to negative reception from critics, with many finding the film to be overly sentimental and predictable. Audiences were similarly divided, with some appreciating the emotional journey and others finding it uninspired. The film struggled to find a significant audience upon its release.
What Reviewers Say
The film attempts a poignant exploration of grief but often falls into clichéd territory.
Performances are generally adequate, but cannot elevate the predictable narrative.
Some viewers found the emotional beats effective, while others deemed them manipulative.
Google audience: Google users found the film to be a touching, albeit somewhat slow, story about friendship and loss. Many appreciated the emotional core of the movie, with some finding it a good choice for a reflective watch. However, a portion of viewers felt the plot was too predictable and lacked originality.
Fun Fact
The film's soundtrack features original songs by Canadian musician Sarah McLachlan.
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