The Awakening – A Classic Chiller

**** out of *****

Running time: 107 minutes

MPAA rating: R for some violence and sexuality/nudity.

The Awakening is a chilling, highly effective suspense film in the grand tradition of such classic supernatural tales as Robert Wise’s The Haunting and Jack Clayton’s The Innocents.

I’m not a ghost story enthusiast. I have seen far too many retreads of the same old shocks and scares. I’ve had my fill of hands reaching from the grave, creatures leaping from darkened closets, translucent spirits and creepy hallucinations.

Thus it was with some trepidation that I attended The Awakening. In fact, had it not been for the presence of Rebecca Hall (The Town, Vicky Cristina Barcelona) and Dominic West (The Wire), I might not have seen this.

But what a mistake that would have been. From the very start of this intense post-World War One drama I was caught up in its eerie atmosphere, riveted by Hall’s performance and completely absorbed by its rich recreation of the age.

There are strange, unexplained goings-on at a slightly seedy English boys’ school. Sightings of a ghostly nature. Unexplained metaphysical events. A child’s death. Ghost debunker Florence Cathcart (Hall) is called upon by one of the school’s staff, Robert Mallory (West) to investigate.

The surprises which follow are not out of the ordinary for this kind of film. But the story is told with great style and the superb cinematography perfectly captures the otherworldly nature of the environment. Further, the picture features solid performances by the entire cast, which includes Imelda Staunton and Isaac Hempstead Wright.

Parents should avoid taking children under 12 to the film, as they might be overwhelmed by its intensity. But for the rest of the audience watching The Awakening will be a chilling experience and a memorable evening at the movies. It is the only ghost story I have seen in the past quarter century which I would unreservedly recommend.