The Awakening
The Awakening Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Movie Overview: The Awakening
| Movie | The Awakening |
| Release Year | 1980 |
| Director | Mike Newell |
| Genre | Horror |
| Runtime | 105 minutes (1h 45m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Awakening (1980) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Awakening are led by Charlton Heston . The supporting cast, including Susannah York and Jill Townsend , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Awakening does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Horror films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Awakening has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Horror fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Awakening
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1980, The Awakening is a Horror film directed by Mike Newell, written by Chris Bryant. The narrative crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Charlton Heston as Matthew Corbeck.
Ending Explained: The Awakening
The Awakening Ending Explained: When a British archaeologist violates an Egyptian queen's tomb, her evil spirit enters his daughter. Directed by Mike Newell, this 1980 horror film stars Charlton Heston (Matthew Corbeck), alongside Susannah York as Jane Turner, Jill Townsend as Anne Corbeck, Stephanie Zimbalist as Margaret Corbeck. Rated 5.5/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Awakening?
When a British archaeologist violates an Egyptian queen's tomb, her evil spirit enters his daughter.
How Does Charlton Heston (Matthew Corbeck)'s Story End?
- Charlton Heston: Charlton Heston's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Susannah York (Jane Turner): Susannah York's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Jill Townsend (Anne Corbeck): Jill Townsend's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Awakening Mean?
The ending of The Awakening brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Charlton Heston's story may not satisfy all audiences.
The Awakening Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Awakening Based on a True Story?
No, The Awakening is a work of fiction. While the horror film directed by Mike Newell and starring Charlton Heston may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Awakening?
Age Advisory: Rated R — not suitable for younger viewers.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Horror films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Awakening
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $8.4M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Where to Watch The Awakening Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeThe Awakening Parents Guide & Age Rating
1980 AdvisoryWondering about The Awakening age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Awakening (1980) is 105 minutes (1h 45m). Directed by Mike Newell, the film runs for 105 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.5/10, and global performance metrics, The Awakening is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1980 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Awakening worth watching?
The Awakening is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 5.5/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Awakening parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Awakening identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Awakening (1980)?
The runtime of The Awakening (1980) is 105 minutes (approximately 1h 45m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
