
"Wake Up" fits squarely within the horror genre, particularly drawing on elements typical of slasher and survival horror subgenres. The film features a group of young protagonists who, driven by activist motives, find themselves trapped and hunted in a confined location—in this case, a home superstore. This setting creates a claustrophobic atmosphere common in horror, leveraging isolation to heighten tension and fear. The antagonist, a deranged security guard with a primitive hunting obsession, embodies the menacing, relentless killer archetype found in many horror films, driving the brutal and violent confrontations that escalate throughout the night.
What makes "Wake Up" stand out from other horror titles is its incorporation of contemporary themes such as environmental activism, blending social commentary with traditional horror tropes. This adds a layer of relevance and potentially moral complexity that can deepen audience engagement. Additionally, setting the horror within a familiar, everyday commercial space—rather than an isolated cabin or remote area—grounds the terror in a relatable environment, making the threat feel more immediate and unsettling. The fusion of youthful idealism clashing with brutal survival also offers dynamic character perspectives, distinguishing it within its genre.