Woken is a post-apocalyptic horror film that takes viewers on a journey through a world ravaged by a pandemic. The story centers around Anna, a pregnant woman with no memory of her past, who finds herself on an isolated island with a mysterious neighbor, Helen, and her husband, James. As Anna begins to uncover the truth about her situation, she discovers that the island is not the idyllic paradise it seems. The film is set against the backdrop of brooding shale cliffs and magnifying Anna's fragility, with a focus on her interactions with the repulsive lobster dinners and dead tortoiseshell butterflies. The film's premise is intriguing, blending elements of social realism and sci-fi, but it ultimately falls short of its potential. The first half of the film is a bit tepid, focusing on domestic parlor games, while the second half shifts towards more strident sci-fi, with clandestine labs and fascistic hazmat squads. However, the conspiracy Anna uncovers and her gun-toting exit feel regurgitated, and the film's overlapping ambience with Children of Men becomes a certifiable debt. Woken might believe it's on an island apart, but sadly, that's not the case. The film is well-acted, with Kellyman's wide-eyed and floundering performance standing out, and Peake's authoritative presence adding depth to the story. Despite its flaws, Woken is a good-looking film that explores themes of survival, memory, and the human condition in a post-apocalyptic world. It is a thought-provoking film that leaves viewers with a sense of unease and a desire to uncover the truth.
