The Awakening

The Awakening

Year: 2012

Runtime: 107 min

Language: English

Director: Nick Murphy

ThrillerHorror

In 1921 London, a skeptical author named Florence Cathcart is asked by a grieving teacher to investigate strange occurrences at an all-boys boarding school. Initially believing the disturbances to be a hoax, Florence begins a deeper exploration of the unsettling events. As she investigates, she finds her rational worldview challenged, and she is forced to confront the possibility of supernatural forces and a reality beyond scientific explanation.

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Timeline – The Awakening (2012)

Trace every key event in The Awakening (2012) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Florence's Emergence as a Skeptic

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.

1921 England
2

Invitation to Investigate

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.

Boarding School
3

Initial Investigations

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.

Boarding School
4

Pond Incident

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.

Pond
5

Developing Relationships

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.

Boarding School
6

Conflict with Edward Judd

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.

Woods
7

Unveiling Family Secrets

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.

Boarding School
8

Maud's Despair

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.

House
9

Florence's Resolve

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.

House
10

Tom's Assistance

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.

House
11

Ambiguous Ending

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.

Boarding School
12

Final Departure

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.

Boarding School
13

Reflection on Legacy

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.

Last Updated: May 12, 2025 at 07:04

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The Awakening Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Awakening

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