‘Wake Up’ (Literally) Skewers Antifa-like Radicals

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Horror movies slice and dice a good portion of their casts. Audiences expect nothing less.

Certain characters in some films can be frustratingly impudent, immature, or haughty, leading spectators to express collective relief or exuberance at their perceived demise. This reaction isn’t malicious, but rather a release of pent-up emotions. After all, it’s just entertainment we’re talking about.

The phrase “Wake Up” heavily relies on a well-known trope, much like its predecessor “The Green Inferno.” Unlike the characters in these films, the victims portrayed here are firm advocates of progress, but they aren’t exactly endearing figures.

In this film that occasionally blends horror with comedy, it’s challenging to decide which characters to support, but that’s precisely what makes it enjoyable.

A group of six arrogant, radical individuals sneak into a store resembling IKEA after it closes for the night. They don animal masks and aim to cause extensive damage throughout the store before sunrise.

This organization appears to mistreat animals, destroy rainforests, and potentially other issues as well, according to their statements. Their message seems disorganized and more focused on rebelling against authority rather than developing a clear plan of action.

And if their antics go viral, even better!

They’re both young and clever, yet unpredictable, but none of this prepared them for the security guard’s precarious state of mind. In question is Kevin (Turlough Convery), whose explosive temper often puts him on the brink of dismissal. With their older brother Jack (Aidan O’Hare) as the only other obstacle, they find themselves in a race against time to prevent the store from suffering massive losses.

Things could get ugly. And when a confrontation takes a deadly turn, it does.

In a creative twist, filmmakers Anouk Whissell and Yoann-Karl Whissell (of RKSS) skillfully utilize an unconventional location – a chain store – as their canvas. This setting provides intriguing scenery, unexpected props for improvised weaponry, and ample room for the character Kevin to hide undetected.

And, to the delight of the Mystery Machine’s Fred, there will be traps.

Six figures might not seem heroic at first glance, and some can even be harsh. However, a playful food battle scene suggests that beneath their activist roles, they’re merely children pretending to be activists.

It’s the closest the film comes to humanizing them, and it’s a necessary addition.

Instead of leaving the six radicals unexplored, the narrative provides a deeper understanding of Jack and Kevin. This lends an air of authenticity to the scenes of violence. Suffice it to say, this is ample to propel the plot ahead.

The heart of this movie is packed with everything you’d expect from a B-movie, expertly executed by RKSS. There isn’t much excess narrative to bog things down. Convery delivers an electrifying performance that adds depth to the material. He’s relentless and although he might have been a reasonable character in different circumstances, once the action begins, he seems to have abandoned all moral compass.

That’s just how genre fans like it.

In the final part of the movie, although the feeling of desperation among the remaining activists intensifies, it doesn’t quite match up in strength compared to the rest.

In the script, neither side during the conflict wavers. The extremists staunchly adhere to their ideologies, and Kevin’s thirst for vengeance burns fiercely.

The theme could be interpreted as a critical examination of activists or an introduction to Capitalism, yet “Wake Up” manages to avoid such straightforward portrayals. Despite the violence and excitement, the directors consistently resist simplistic narratives, which sets this slasher movie apart from its peers.

HiT or Miss: “Wake Up” takes a stab at Antifa-like radicals but refuses to lecture horror hounds.

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2025-06-22 20:03