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Horror thriller

Dead Awake (2017): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Dead Awake (2017) movie poster

Dead Awake is a 2017 horror thriller directed by Phillip Guzman, starring Brea Grant, James Eckhouse and Lori Petty. It runs 1 hour 39 minutes and earned $21,675 worldwide. Critics gave it 11% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 4.6/10.

IMDb rating
4.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes
11%
worldwide gross
$21.7K
Echo Score
36
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Dead Awake (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 39m (99 min)
Director
Phillip Guzman
Genres
Thriller , Horror
Original language
English
Studio
FilmRise
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Dead Awake About?

The premise of Dead Awake without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

As social worker Kate Bowman investigates a disturbing series of deaths, she encounters victims reporting terrifying experiences of paralysis and attack while they sleep. Joined by artist Evan and the pragmatic Dr. Sykes, Kate grapples with the possibility of sleep paralysis versus the warnings of the unusual doctor Hassan. When Kate finds herself targeted by the malevolent entity, she must remain awake to unravel the mystery and protect those around her from a terrifying fate.

Dead Awake Themes & Keywords

· 43 tags
  • sleep paralysis
  • actress plays dual role of twin sisters
  • starts with a definition
  • starts with a statistic
  • newspaper clipping
  • surprise birthday party
  • startled
  • diary
  • ceiling fan
  • black cat
  • awakened by a telephone call
  • death of twin sister
+31 more
  • grave side ceremony
  • painting a portrait
  • reference to henry fuseli
  • woman in a bath
  • candlelit bath
  • near drowning
  • reference to sheryl crow
  • video journal
  • home aquarium
  • taking sleeping pills with alcohol
  • death of a friend
  • falling asleep while driving
  • syringe
  • old hag
  • death of wife
  • woman in a shower
  • brain dead
  • man in a coma
  • adrenaline shot
  • stabbed in the belly
  • unresolved ending
  • woman wrapped in a towel
  • woman wears black lingerie
  • strangulation
  • dream
  • sleep deprivation
  • discussing a nightmare
  • dream sequence
  • nudity
  • female nudity
  • blood bath
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Cast & crew

Dead Awake Cast

Brea Grant leads the cast, with James Eckhouse and Lori Petty. Directed by Phillip Guzman; 10 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Phillip Guzman

More films directed by Phillip Guzman: Sleep No More, A Kiss and a Promise and 2:22.

Full filmography
Ratings

Dead Awake Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Dead Awake 11% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 4.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 36/100, strongest in rewatch factor (45) and weakest in art & craft (30).

36 /100

Dead Awake Echo Score Breakdown

Dead Awake struggles to transcend its generic premise, with much of its narrative cadence defined by predictable rhythms and limited depth. While the film introduces an intriguing concept drawn from sleep paralysis, its execution seldom builds sustained engagement, offering only sporadic moments of genuine tension. Performance strengths by select cast members and occasional jump scares are overshadowed by uneven direction and thin character arcs. The overall effect remains a plodding horror entry that underutilizes its potential and rarely compels repeat viewing.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 30

    In terms of direction and cinematography, the film largely adopts a functional yet unadventurous approach. Visual compositions seldom move beyond standard framing, and the oversaturated filter during sleep sequences undermines atmospheric cohesion. Pacing within scenes feels inert due to restrained editing choices. Overall, the art and craft elements fail to elevate the material or establish a compelling style.

  • Character & Emotion 40

    When it comes to character and emotion, performances by lead actors occasionally demonstrate subtle engagement, but most figures remain archetypal and underdeveloped. Dialogue interactions lack chemistry, limiting the film’s emotional resonance. Moments of genuine fright cannot overcome the persistent perception of wooden characterization. In sum, character depth is minimal and seldom invites empathetic investment.

  • Story & Flow 35

    Regarding story and flow, the narrative adheres to familiar horror structures without meaningful innovation. Plot progression is hampered by repetitive sequences and intermittent pacing lapses that dilute suspense. Although the premise of sleep paralysis could offer fresh territory, the screenplay seldom diverges from expected genre beats. Ultimately, the storytelling feels predictable and uneven.

  • Sensory Experience 40

    In sensory terms, the score and sound design contribute sporadic tension but lack consistent identity, with intermittent inconsistencies in audio mixing. Visual style features a muted palette punctuated by an overly stylized sleep-filter effect that detracts from immersion. While isolated jump scares land effectively, the broader sensory experience feels uneven and rarely atmospheric.

  • Rewatch Factor 45

    Concerning rewatch value, the film’s repetitiveness and predictable plot undermine its lasting appeal. Occasional scares may still register for genre enthusiasts but diminish upon subsequent viewings. Limited character layers and a straightforward narrative offer few reasons for repeated engagement. As a result, the rewatch factor remains modest.

Plot

Dead Awake Plot Summary

What happens in Dead Awake from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Troubled by frequent episodes of sleep paralysis, Beth Bowman finds herself haunted by a demonic hag during these harrowing experiences. Initially, she feels agitated when her boyfriend, Evan, invites her estranged twin sister, Kate, to a surprise birthday party. Despite the initial tension, the occasion leads to a brief moment of connection through dancing. However, the mood darkens when Beth, prompted by her friend Linda Noble, awkwardly mentions her sleep paralysis, causing her to leave the party prematurely.

Full summary

The whole story of Dead Awake, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Dead Awake Box Office

Dead Awake grossed $21,675 worldwide. $11,528 came from the US and Canada and $10,147 (47%) from the rest of the world.

2017 box office

Worldwide gross

$21.7K

US & Canada
$11.5K
International
$10.1K
US & Canada 53% Rest of the world 47%
Videos

Dead Awake Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Dead Awake.

Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Dead Awake?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What triggers Beth Bowman's sleep paralysis?

Cars

Cars in Dead Awake

10 cars on screen, including the 2013 BMW X1 E84 and the 2000 Cadillac DeVille Funeral Coach.

All 10 cars
  • 2013 BMW X1 E84 in Dead Awake 2013 BMW X1 E84 Important role
  • 2000 Cadillac DeVille Funeral Coach in Dead Awake 2000 Cadillac DeVille Funeral Coach Background role
  • 1988 Chevrolet C/K-Series in Dead Awake 1988 Chevrolet C/K-Series Background role
  • 2011 Chrysler 200 in Dead Awake 2011 Chrysler 200 Background role
Details

Dead Awake Also Known As

7 alternative titles, including “Sono Mortal” and “梦魔缠身”.

Also known as
  • Sono Mortal
  • 梦魔缠身
  • Karabasan
  • Alvászavar
  • יקיצה למוות
  • 돈 슬립
  • Vienen por ti

Seen Dead Awake?

FAQ

Dead Awake FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Dead Awake, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Dead Awake?

Dead Awake runs 1 hour 39 minutes (99 minutes).

When was Dead Awake released?

Dead Awake was released on May 12, 2017.

Who directed Dead Awake?

Dead Awake was directed by Phillip Guzman.

More films by Phillip Guzman

Who is in the cast of Dead Awake?

Dead Awake stars Brea Grant, James Eckhouse and Lori Petty, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Dead Awake make at the box office?

Dead Awake grossed $21,675 worldwide ($11,528 domestic, $10,147 international).

How is Dead Awake rated?

Dead Awake has 4.6/10 on IMDb, 11% on Rotten Tomatoes, 52% on TMDB and 2.1/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Dead Awake have a post-credit scene?

No. Dead Awake has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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