Watch Wide Awake

Wide Awake is a family drama movie directed by M. Night Shyamalan and released in 1998. The movie follows the journey of a ten-year-old boy named Joshua Beal who recently lost his beloved grandfather. Joshua is a student in a Catholic school in suburban Philadelphia and is struggling to come to terms with his grandfather's death. He grapples with questions about the afterlife and the meaning of life itself, which the people around him, including his parents and teachers, fail to answer satisfactorily.

As Joshua tries to understand his loss and what happens after death, he embarks on a spiritual journey. Along the way, he seeks answers from everyone around him, from his best friend Dave (played by Timothy Reifsnyder) to his teachers and even the nuns at his school. He also turns to God and goes on a quest to find Him, hoping to get the answers he seeks. Along the way, he encounters several challenges and learns a great deal not only about the world but also about himself.

Throughout the film, we see Joshua's growth as he comes to grips with his questions and anxieties. He starts to navigate the world around him with a newfound sense of purpose, and we see him become more proactive in his efforts to find the answers he is looking for. As his faith deepens and his understanding of the world grows, he discovers a sense of peace and perspective he never had before.

The movie explores themes of loss, faith, and what it means to be alive. Joshua's journey is not only about coming to terms with his grandfather's passing but also about grappling with the bigger questions of life. We see him approach the complexities of life and death with curiosity and wonder, and it is inspiring to watch his journey unfold on-screen.

The performances in the movie are exceptional, particularly that of Joseph Cross, who plays Joshua. His portrayal of the child grappling with life's biggest questions is nuanced and sincere. Dana Delany is also excellent as Joshua's mother, giving a touching performance as a parent trying to understand her son's struggle.

The film's pacing is deliberate, allowing the audience to experience what Joshua goes through in a measured, thoughtful way. The cinematography is also exceptional, with beautiful shots of Philadelphia and the various locations Joshua visits in his search for the answers he needs.

Overall, Wide Awake is a touching, sincere movie that handles complex themes with care and nuance. It's rare to find a family drama that doesn't feel heavy-handed or melodramatic, but this movie manages to strike the right balance. It will resonate with anyone who has experienced loss or struggled with questions of faith and existence. The movie is a testament to the importance of staying curious, asking questions, and never losing sight of wonder, even in the face of life's biggest challenges.

Wide Awake is a 1998 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 50.