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Romantic film

Upon Waking (2025): Cast & Ratings

Upon Waking (2025) movie poster

Upon Waking is a 2025 romantic film directed by Max Rissman, starring Sherilyn Fenn as Andrea, Chris Zylka and Vanessa Dubasso. It runs 1 hour 47 minutes. IMDb users rate it 6.1/10.

IMDb rating
6.1/10
Echo Score
86
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Upon Waking (2025) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 47m (107 min)
Director
Max Rissman
Genre
Romance
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Upon Waking About?

The premise of Upon Waking without spoilers.

After a first date, two young women are victims of carbon monoxide poisoning and fall into a coma. While their bodies remain unconscious, their spirits become separated and must confront their personal struggles and learn to love each other in order to awaken.

Upon Waking Themes & Keywords

· 2 tags
  • love
  • young
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Cast & crew

Upon Waking Cast & Characters

Sherilyn Fenn leads the cast as Andrea, with Chris Zylka as Doctor Pomeranz and Vanessa Dubasso as Molly. Directed by Max Rissman; 16 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Upon Waking

· 12 more
Ratings

Upon Waking Reviews & Ratings

IMDb users rate Upon Waking 6.1/10. Our Echo Score gives it 86/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in story & flow (75).

86 /100

Upon Waking Echo Score Breakdown

Upon Waking offers a compelling fusion of personal drama and speculative romance, anchored by confident visual style and nuanced performances. Many viewers praised the inventive exploration of consciousness and the depth of the central relationship, while some critics highlighted credibility issues and a concluding shift into far-fetched territory. The film’s themes of self-acceptance and emotional honesty resonate strongly, even as the final act’s quasi-religious overtones divided audiences. Overall, this film delivers a memorable experience that largely succeeds despite a contentious ending.

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

  • Art & Craft 90

    In terms of visual craft, the film excels in direction and cinematography, presenting a careful composition of each scene’s framing and lighting. Multiple accounts note stunning camera work and inventive visual sequences that enhance the narrative’s reflective tone. While production design details are less discussed, the overall visual cohesion supports the story effectively. This consistent visual approach underpins the film’s artful presentation.

  • Character & Emotion 88

    When it comes to character depth, the leads deliver convincing and emotionally resonant performances that sustain viewer engagement. Observers highlight the chemistry between the two protagonists and the authenticity of their evolving bond, noting how subtle gestures and dialogue choices reveal inner conflicts. The supporting cast contributes competently, though less centrally. Overall, the character portrayals anchor the film’s emotional core.

  • Story & Flow 75

    The narrative demonstrates originality and engagement through its exploration of two individuals’ inner lives, crafting an unpredictable and thought-provoking journey. Many reports praise the measured pacing and inventive premise, yet some note that certain plot elements strain credibility and that the final act shifts toward far-fetched or quasi-religious themes. Despite these divergent reactions, the unfolding of character arcs remains compelling. Overall, the story sustains interest before a polarizing conclusion.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    In terms of sensory impact, the film’s visual style stands out with a restrained color palette and deliberate shot composition that reinforce the introspective tone. Reviews of the soundtrack and sound design are sparse, implying a functional but unobtrusive audio environment. The overall cohesion of image and sound serves the narrative effectively without drawing undue attention. This balanced approach results in an immersive but understated sensory experience.

  • Rewatch Factor 85

    The movie offers significant lasting appeal, with many viewers reporting that its themes and relationship dynamics linger after the credits. The blend of inventive storytelling and emotional depth invites further reflection on subsequent viewings, enhancing appreciation of subtle details. Occasional narrative inconsistencies may temper enthusiasm for rewatching, but the central performances and conceptual ambition encourage return viewings. Overall, the film provides strong rewatch value through its thoughtful resonance.

Videos

Upon Waking Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Upon Waking.

Official Trailer

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FAQ

Upon Waking FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Upon Waking, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Upon Waking?

Upon Waking runs 1 hour 47 minutes (107 minutes).

When was Upon Waking released?

Upon Waking was released on February 14, 2025.

Who directed Upon Waking?

Upon Waking was directed by Max Rissman.

Who is in the cast of Upon Waking?

Upon Waking stars Sherilyn Fenn as Andrea, Chris Zylka as Doctor Pomeranz and Vanessa Dubasso as Molly, among 16 credited actors.

How is Upon Waking rated?

Upon Waking has 6.1/10 on IMDb and 60% on TMDB.

Does Upon Waking have a post-credit scene?

No. Upon Waking has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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