Awake

By Nathan Young

Some films have such an intricate plot that it would be imprudent to give away too much. 'Awake' is a perfect example. It is a fantastic thriller and I am giving it a 'thumbs up'. However,there are so many great twists that I do not want to spoil it. Therefore, this will be my shortest review yet.

Clay Beresford (Hayden Christensen) is a rich, successful 22-year-old executive who needs a heart transplant. He is secretly dating Sam (Jessica Alba), who happens to work for his mother Lilith (Lena Olin). Clay's best friend is Dr. Jack Harper (Terrence Howard), who Clay chooses to perform his transplant over his mother's objections. Moments into the surgery, Clay realizes that he can still hear everything that is going on in the room. He is paralyzed and cannot talk, but he is definitely still awake. That is where the twists begin and my summary ends.

First time screenwriter/director Joby Harold does a masterful job of crafting a tightly woven story and keeping the audience guessing. Christensen is amazing in the role of Clay. He commands the screen in scenes where he steps out of his body during the surgery. He also captures the sense of isolation and fear Clay feels during the surgery. Christensen is one of the most underrated actors around at the young age of 26. His Oscar-worthy turns in 'Life As A House' and 'Shattered Glass' are the main reasons I consider those films among my favorites of the past 10 years. Hopefully, the lack of buzz will not cause people to miss his top-notch performance here.

Olin, who played the evil Irina Derevko on the long running television show 'Alias', is the perfect choice for Lilith. The character is cold and distant, but never wavers in her love for Clay. Alba and Howard are also memorable. Alba shows that she is more than just a pretty face in a multi-layered performance. Howard brings the ideal amount of understatement to a supporting role while still bringing his 'A' game.

This film is mesmerizing and entertaining. It is also short (78 minutes), which works with the storyline. It grabbed me and didn't let go until the end credits rolled. It is on my top ten list for 2008 and I highly recommend it.