Wake (I) (2009)

When things get tough for offbeat Carys Reitman, she does what any emotionally isolated, modern girl would do - she goes to strangers' funerals. At one fateful funeral, she unexpectedly ... See full summary »

Director:

Ellie Kanner

Writer:

Lennox Wiseley

Stars:

Bijou Phillips, Ian Somerhalder, Jane Seymour

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Bijou Phillips	...	Carys
Ian Somerhalder	...	Tyler
Jane Seymour	...	Mrs. Reitman
Danny Masterson	...	Shane
Marguerite Moreau	...	Lila
Sprague Grayden	...	Marissa
David Zayas	...	Detective Grayson
Kevin Alejandro	...	Detective Daniels
Ian Gomez	...	Gerald Irving
Meagen Fay	...	Mrs. Williams
James Eckhouse	...	Mr. Williams
Bruno Campos	...	Varrnez
Meredith Monroe	...	Phaedra
Charles Adler	...	Priest (as Charlie Adler)
Lizette Carrion	...	Jane

Storyline

When things get tough for offbeat Carys Reitman, she does what any emotionally isolated, modern girl would do - she goes to strangers' funerals. At one fateful funeral, she unexpectedly meets Tyler, a man mourning his fiancée. Despite the warnings of her undertaker best friend Shane and her roommate Lila, she finds herself connecting to someone for the first time. Searching for answers, Carys goes to see her estranged mother to confront her past. And as she tries to open herself to the risks of love with Tyler, she realizes she may have more to fear than just a broken heart.

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Plot Keywords:

funeral | roommate | one word title | loss of daughter | engagement ring | 

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Taglines:

Meet Carys. She's a mourning person...

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

R

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 February 2009 (USA)

Also Known As:

Eszmélés

Company Credits

Production Co:

Bull Market Entertainment, Bitter Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

"I Wanna Feel Good"
Performed by Jacqueline Rose
Written by Jacqueline Rose, Anthony Krizan, and Kathy Phillips

User Reviews

"Wake" crisscrosses genres but shines with originality

"Wake" is a weird type of movie, completely unique and original, and because it's so off-kilter, you're left thinking about it after it ends.

It is marketed as a quirky romantic comedy. It isn't, but that is how it begins. Bijou Phillips stars as Carys Reitman, an emotionally-stunted pretty girl who is searching for a life connection. Not a guy, but emotion, to be able to feel the same way inside as others do. Of course she meets a guy. You expect the movie to continue as a romantic comedy, with comedic lines from her roommate and friends, and the usual awkwardness when the girl keeps lies from the guy.

Instead, "Wake" took a fairly dark turn, and meandered through various genres not usually associated with romantic comedy. I was pleased that it didn't take the predictable route, but I was also put off by how weird and jarring the film had become.

Ultimately, the film is a character drama about Carys. In this regard the film was quite good, Carys is a unique and original character, she has her flaws and she is captivating. Carys' journey to understand herself and human nature is beautiful.

Becareful of labelling this as a romantic comedy, and be on the look out for odd turns, but as a character drama this film can be enjoyed. If you're looking for something different that you can't quite put your finger on, then "Wake" is your choice.