The Awakening

In 1921, Florence Cathcart establishes herself as a published author focused on debunking supernatural hoaxes. Driven by personal loss from World War I, she partners with police to expose frauds, honing her skills and deepening her skepticism of the supernatural.

Florence receives a visit from Robert Mallory, a teacher from a boarding school, who requests her assistance in investigating the recent death of a student named Walter Portman. He suspects that Walter's death may be connected to sightings of a ghost haunting the school.

Upon arriving at the school, Florence begins her investigation, initially assuming the ghost sightings could be pranks orchestrated by the students. She uncovers information about Walter's last moments and confronts a teacher who unintentionally contributed to the boy's tragic demise.

Florence experiences a strange incident where an unexplained hand reaches for her from a pond, leading to her fainting and falling into the water. Robert quickly rescues her, but the event is perceived by some as a potential suicide attempt, further complicating Florence's situation.

As Florence continues her inquiry, she and Robert develop a mutual attraction, providing a distraction amidst the supernatural chaos. Their bond deepens as they navigate the school's unsettling atmosphere filled with ghostly happenings.

The groundskeeper, Edward Judd, reveals his jealousy towards Robert and poses a threat to Florence. His attempt to assault her in the woods culminates in a fatal confrontation, where Florence inadvertently kills him through the supernatural occurrences that surround her.

Florence discovers that the lonely boy Tom is actually a ghost and her half-brother, which reveals a shocking family history. The two siblings share a tragic past, where their father succumbed to madness, resulting in the deaths of their mother and himself.

Maud, the housekeeper, reveals her knowing interactions with Tom and demonstrates her own desperation to keep the family together. In a tragic turn, she poisons herself and Florence, hoping their spirits will reunite with Tom in death.

Fighting against the effects of the poison, Florence expresses her will to live, telling Tom that she won't be happy if she dies now. She reassures him of her continued presence in spirit, solidifying her role as his protector.

Even in his ghostly form, Tom helps Florence by bringing her medicine to counteract the poison. This act emphasizes the bond between the siblings and the depth of their tragic history, while also demonstrating Florence's determination to survive.

The film leaves the audience grappling with Florence's fate, as hints suggest she may or may not have survived the poisoning. Different interpretations emerge regarding whether Florence is a ghost or alive, as she interacts with only certain characters, raising questions on perception and reality.

In the final scenes, Florence prepares to leave the school, sharing a cigarette with Robert. This significant moment implies a potential future together, while also hinting at unresolved emotional ties and the ongoing specter of her past.

As she drives away, Florence reflects on her journey and contemplates writing another book. Despite the tragedy, the conclusion brings a sense of closure for Florence, leaving a legacy open to interpretation regarding the existence of ghosts and the healing nature of memory.