Dead Awake (2016)
A chilling supernatural thriller that transforms the terror of sleep paralysis into an ancient, unstoppable evil hunting its victims in the dark.
Dead Awake - Movie Information
- Original Title: Dead Awake
- Release Year: 2016
- Directed by: Phillip Guzman
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Horror, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 39m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 28, 2016 (Brazil - 14), May 12, 2017 (United States - NR)
- Alternative Titles: Sueño mortal (MX)
- Production Companies: Incendiary Features, Gama Entertainment Partners, Aristar Entertainment
- Production Countries: United States of America
Dead Awake - Plot
Kate Bowman (Jocelin Donahue) is an average social worker who, after the sudden death of her twin sister, is investigating the mysterious deaths of other people who died in their sleep. Shortly before their deaths, the victims all reported a supernatural force that appeared to them while they were suffering from sleep paralysis. When Kate investigates further into the case, she opens herself up to the creature's wrath and soon finds herself and her family suffering from an ancient evil.
Dead Awake - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the ancient terror of sleep paralysis come to life:
An ancient evil. Trapped in a world of darkness. Waiting for someone to believe.
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Dead Awake - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Phillip Guzman
Main Cast
- Jocelin Donahue
- Jesse Bradford
- Jesse Borrego
- Lori Petty
- James Eckhouse
- Mona Lee Fultz
- Brea Grant
- A.J. Gutierrez
- Billy Blair
- Liz Mikel
Writers
- Jeffrey Reddick
Producers
- Phillip Guzman
- James LaMarr
- Philip Marlatt
- Derek Lee Nixon
- Galen Walker
Dead Awake - FAQs
Is Dead Awake based on a true story?
Dead Awake is not based on a specific true story, but it draws heavily from the real phenomenon of sleep paralysis, sometimes called 'old hag syndrome,' in which sufferers feel a crushing presence on their chest while unable to move. Writer Jeffrey Reddick used this documented condition as the foundation for the film's supernatural horror.
What is the Night Hag in Dead Awake?
The Night Hag is the film's central supernatural antagonist, a malevolent ancient entity that attacks victims during episodes of sleep paralysis. Portrayed by Natalie Jones, the creature exploits the helpless state of its prey, suffocating them in their sleep. The Night Hag is rooted in centuries-old folklore surrounding sleep paralysis demons.
Who are the main actors in Dead Awake?
Dead Awake stars Jocelin Donahue in a dual role as twins Kate and Beth Bowman, alongside Jesse Bradford as Evan, Jesse Borrego as Dr. Hassan Davies, and Lori Petty as Dr. Sykes. The supporting cast includes Brea Grant, James Eckhouse, Mona Lee Fultz, A.J. Gutierrez, Billy Blair, and Liz Mikel.
Does Jocelin Donahue play twins in Dead Awake?
Yes, Jocelin Donahue plays both Kate Bowman and her twin sister Beth in Dead Awake. The film opens with Beth's sudden death during a sleep paralysis episode, which sets Kate on a desperate investigation into the supernatural force responsible, ultimately putting herself and her loved ones in the creature's path.
Where can I stream Dead Awake?
Dead Awake is available on multiple platforms. You can watch it for free with ads on The Roku Channel, Fandango at Home Free, Tubi TV, and Fawesome, or for free with a library card on Hoopla. It is also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
Who wrote Dead Awake?
Dead Awake was written by Jeffrey Reddick, best known as the creator of the Final Destination franchise. Reddick drew inspiration from the real-world phenomenon of sleep paralysis and its associated folklore to craft the film's supernatural premise, lending the story a grounded, unsettling credibility beneath its horror-thriller surface.
What is the age rating for Dead Awake?
Dead Awake carries a Not Rated (NR) classification in the United States. The film contains supernatural horror elements, frightening imagery, and themes of death and sleep paralysis that make it unsuitable for younger audiences. Viewers sensitive to horror content or depictions of sleep disorders should approach with caution.
How long is Dead Awake?
Dead Awake has a runtime of 99 minutes, approximately one hour and thirty-nine minutes. The film was directed by Phillip Guzman and first released in Brazil on September 28, 2016, before receiving its United States release on May 12, 2017.
More About Dead Awake
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