Is Waking Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2013)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2013, Waking represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Modern Cinema category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Ben is about to turn 30 and on his way to what everyone else tells him is a great life. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Modern Cinema are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Ben is about to turn 30 and on his way to what everyone else tells him is a great life. He’s been with his girlfriend Amy for 6 years and is about to propose, and looks to be in line to take over her father’s practice. But a chance meeting with a mysterious and beautiful woman named Nadia changes everything, as Ben and Nadia begin to connect when they fall asleep, going on journeys through their memories together. As they begin to realize they’ve been meeting in their dreams since they were children, Ben must choose between the perfect life on paper, or the girl of his dreams."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The ensemble, led by Skyler Caleb, delivers a professional and engaging performance that satisfies the requirements of the Modern Cinema genre. While it may not reinvent the wheel, the commitment to the material is evident in every frame.

The direction by Ben Shelton is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 95 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Waking truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Modern Cinema, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 5.4/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Waking explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2013 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Ben Shelton respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Waking is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Skyler Caleb or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Waking is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.