Is The Wake Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Wake is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 24 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Wake Review
Last updated: January 15, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2019, The Wake emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Salim comes to grieve beside his mother’s dead body. Unlike standard genre fare, The Wake attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Riad Bouchoucha, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Wake features a noteworthy lineup led by Bellamine Abdelmalek . Supported by the likes of Salim Kéchiouche and Djemel Barek, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, their sheer charisma keeps the audience invested. In the broader context of 2019 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, The Wake is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic. Furthermore, the sonic landscape adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of The Wake follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 24 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining.
Critically, the editing choices help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, The Wake resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Drama landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Wake (2019) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 0.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Wake Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Set within the thematic framework of the Drama genre, The Wake delivers a narrative that attempts to balance character development with structural high-points.
The core plot centers around the following premise: "Salim comes to grieve beside his mother’s dead body. But very quickly, between religious customs he doesn’t understand and the constant comings and goings of people he doesn’t know, the young man feels uncomfortable in the small family apartment."
As the story progresses, the director focuses on building tension through deliberate character interactions, leading to a culmination that has sparked significant discussion among audience members.
The Wake Ending Explained & Final Analysis
The conclusion of The Wake leaves several plot threads for interpretation. In the final act, the narrative shifts from exposition to a more complex resolution that ties together the various character arcs introduced earlier.
Key Takeaways from the Ending:
- Resolution: The main conflict reaches a turning point that defines the future status of the lead characters.
- Theme: The final scenes emphasize the underlying themes of Drama that the film explored throughout its runtime.
- Discussion: Many viewers have noted the unusual way the final shot was framed, which serves as a lasting image of the movie's legacy.
Ultimately, The Wake's ending serves as a definitive close to this chapter, though the logic used provides enough ambiguity to keep fans debating its true meaning long after the credits roll.
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of The Wake
- Bellamine Abdelmalek – Salim
- Salim Kéchiouche – Imad
- Djemel Barek – Father
- Mustapha Abourachid – Uncle
- Tahidir Ouazine – Aunt
Top Highlights
Bellamine AbdelmalekSalim
Salim KéchioucheImad
Djemel BarekFather
Mustapha AbourachidUncle
Tahidir OuazineAunt
Mouss ZouheyriKarim
Kamel AbdeliMiloud
Majida GhomariMourner
Where to Watch The Wake Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Universcine🎟️ Rent on
Universcine🏷️ Buy on
UniverscineParents Guide & Age Rating
The Wake has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 0/10, and global collection metrics, The Wake stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2019 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Wake movie hit or flop?
The Wake is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Is The Wake worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 0/10, The Wake may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch The Wake online?
The Wake is currently available for streaming on Universcine. You can also check for it on platforms like Universcine depending on your region.
Explore More Verdicts & Analysis
Critic Reviews for The Wake
No reviews found for this filter.
