Flop to Top: Awake's Streaming Resurgence

Released in 2007, the thriller 'Awake' has found a new audience through streaming services, years after its underperforming theatrical run. The film, which starred Hayden Christensen and Jessica Alba, grossed only $32.7 million against an $8.6 million budget and was met with critical derision, earning a mere 23% on Rotten Tomatoes.

However, 'Awake' has recently surged into Netflix's top 10 in multiple countries and is performing well on Amazon Prime. The movie's premise follows a young man who experiences full consciousness during surgery, unable to communicate his distress to the medical team while his wife faces her own struggles.

While critics lambasted its narrative, citing "agonizing implausibility" and "mediocre writing," audience scores reveal a more engaged viewership. Viewers describe it as an "entertaining mystery thriller" and a "pretty cool movie" that effectively creates tension, although some acknowledge plot deficiencies and so-so acting. This stark contrast highlights the film's divisive nature, resonating more with audiences than with professional critics.