Awakened (2013 film)
Awakened is a 2013 thriller drama film by Joycelyn Engle and Arno Malarone. The film stars Julianne Michelle as Samantha, a woman who returns to her hometown believing that her father murdered her mother years ago. In her exhausting search for the truth about her young mother's untimely death 14 years earlier, Samantha receives help from beyond the grave.
Plot
Samantha Winston, a 22-year-old woman, returns to her home town after 14 years in search of answers to her mother's untimely death. She is convinced that her father, Jack Winston, murdered her mother. In a quest for vengeance, Samantha uncovers an evil and devastating truth.Samantha tried to escape tragedy much of her life. After her young mother's sudden passing, when Samantha was only 8 yrs old, she went to live with her aunt in Minnesota. Within one year her world was shattered again when her aunt was killed in a car crash. Young Samantha was then sent to live with abusive foster families, and finally she ran off to live on her own at age 16.
Returning to her childhood home as a young adult conjures up loving memories of her life as a child. However, harsh reminders of her father's drunken rampages and the sudden death of her 32-year-old mother dominate her thoughts. She is convinced that her father, 20 years her mother's senior, a jealous and verbally abusive alcoholic, committed this unthinkable crime.
In the exhaustive search for evidence Samantha seeks answers from Lucas Drake, her mother's best friend and a successful funeral director and mortuary owner, and her Uncle Thomas, among others. As the deep dark secrets of evil plots and schemes in this town unfold, the mystery thickens.
Cast
- Julianne Michelle as Samantha Winston
- Steven Bauer as Lucas Drake
- John Savage as Jack Winston
- Edward Furlong as Thomas Burton
- Stelio Savante as Benny Dawson
- Sally Kirkland as Harriet Bendi
- Bryan Dechart as Liam Dawson
- Sean Stone as Man in Fedora Hat
- Joycelyn Engle as Dr. Rockwell
- Kiva Dawson as Jennifer Winston
- Erin Gerasimovich as Young Samantha
- Andrea Kubala as Aunt Patricia
Production
Reception
Accolades
| Award / Film festival | Category | Recipient and nominee | Result | |
| 168 Film Festival, US | Best Film | Joycelyn Engle | ||
| LA Femme Film Festival | Best Feature Producer | Joycelyn Engle and Julianne Michelle | ||
| LA Femme International Film Festival | LA Femme Filmmaker Award | Joycelyn Engle | ||
| NYC Independent Film Festival | Best Feature Narrative | Joycelyn Engle | ||
| NYC Independent Film Festival | Best Actress | Julianne Michelle |