
"Awoken" follows Karla, a dedicated young medical student determined to save her brother Blake from Fatal Familial Insomnia (FFI), a rare and terminal sleep disorder that prevents sufferers from ever falling asleep until death ultimately ensues. As Karla delves deeper into the mysterious illness consuming her brother, she uncovers far more sinister and supernatural elements tied to Blake's condition, blending medical science with dark, psychological horror.
The film explores profound themes such as the limits of scientific understanding, the desperation of familial bonds, and the terrifying unknown lurking within the human mind. It confronts the audience with questions about the nature of consciousness, reality, and the fine line between life and death. "Awoken" uses Blake's sleep illness as a metaphor for the vulnerability of the human psyche when faced with darkness both external and internal, emphasizing how fear and trauma can manifest in profound, often unexplainable ways.
Critically, "Awoken" has garnered appreciation for its inventive plot and atmospheric tension, contributing to the niche genre of horror-thrillers that combine medical mystery with supernatural elements. While it may not have broken into mainstream pop culture, it holds a compelling place among cult followers who appreciate cerebral horror that challenges conventional narrative expectations. Its impact lies in how it has sparked conversations around rare disorders and heightened awareness of the psychological horrors entwined with physical ailments.