AFTER SHE WAKES

Cinemavixion Review

In 'After She Wakes,' director David Arthur Clark crafts a chilling narrative that delves into the profound depths of grief and its psychological toll. The film masterfully explores the unsettling experiences of a narcoleptic mother and her daughter as they grapple with the aftermath of a tragic loss. Their shared struggle with parasomnia—night terrors and sleep paralysis—blurs the lines between dream and reality, manifesting terrifying visions that threaten their sanity. The performances, particularly from Stella Carlish, anchor the film's emotional weight, portraying vulnerability and a desperate fight for protection against an encroaching, sinister presence. Clark's direction creates an atmosphere of pervasive dread, suggesting that sometimes the most terrifying monsters are the ones born from our own pain. This is a haunting exploration of trauma and the fragile nature of perception.