Wide Awake

Wide Awake

Year: 1998

Runtime: 88 min

Language: English

Director: M. Night Shyamalan

Budget: $6M

DramaComedyFamily

A dedicated lab researcher finds themselves investigating a series of unexpected deaths during experimental drug trials. Suspecting possible sabotage, they delve into a complex web of scientific intrigue and moral challenges. The researcher must uncover the truth behind the tragedy, facing perilous circumstances and questioning the integrity of those around them.

Wide Awake (1998) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Wide Awake (1998) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the sterile corridors of a cutting‑edge research facility, the researcher spends long hours overseeing experimental drug trials that promise breakthroughs and carry hidden risks. The world is one of polished glass, humming equipment, and tightly controlled protocols, where each data point can shift the balance between hope and catastrophe. Beneath the clinical exterior, a quiet urgency pulses: lives are being altered, and the pressure to succeed is palpable.

When a string of unexpected deaths emerges from the trials, the laboratory’s calm is shattered. The researcher—driven by a blend of professional dedication and personal curiosity—finds themselves thrust into a maze of scientific intrigue. Suspicion nibbles at the edges of routine, hinting that something may have been tampered with, and the normally methodical environment takes on an almost conspiratorial tone.

As the investigation deepens, the researcher confronts stark moral questions about responsibility, ambition, and the fragile line between innovation and exploitation. Colleagues become both allies and possible obstacles, each interaction charged with the possibility that hidden motives lurk beneath courteous greetings. The atmosphere oscillates between the crisp precision of lab work and the unsettling tension of a puzzle whose pieces may never fit neatly.

All the while, the narrative steadies on the researcher’s internal compass, steering through doubt and ethical ambiguity. The film’s tone is a careful blend of cerebral suspense and human drama, inviting viewers to wonder not only what went wrong, but how far one will go in the pursuit of answers when the stakes are measured in breath and conscience.

Last Updated: November 25, 2025 at 15:09

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about gentle grief and healing like Wide Awake

Stories that approach profound loss with quiet heart and a search for meaning.If you liked the reflective and earnest tone of Wide Awake, you'll find similar movies here. This list features coming-of-age stories and dramas that handle themes of loss and faith with a gentle touch, focusing on emotional understanding rather than heavy drama.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a linear, character-driven journey where the central conflict is internal—coming to terms with a significant loss. The plot is often woven with everyday life events, creating a bittersweet blend of sadness and normalcy that leads to a gradual, often hopeful, emotional resolution.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped together because they share a specific emotional tone: a bittersweet, medium-intensity exploration of grief that feels authentic and accessible. They prioritize emotional resonance over complex plotting, creating a contemplative and ultimately hopeful viewing experience.

Movies about childhood faith and doubt like Wide Awake

Young protagonists questioning big ideas within the familiar world of school and home.For viewers who enjoyed how Wide Awake wove a search for meaning into a school-year story, this list offers similar films. Discover other earnest dramas where young characters grapple with questions of faith, purpose, and friendship in a relatable, straightforward way.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows a single young protagonist's perspective as they encounter a crisis of faith or purpose. The journey is internal and intellectual, played out through interactions with peers, authority figures, and personal rituals, leading to a deeper, more personal understanding rather than a simple answer.

Why These Movies?

These films share a specific focus on a child's point of view while dealing with weighty themes like faith and doubt. They balance the seriousness of the questioning with the lightness of childhood experiences, creating a unique blend of earnest drama and accessible storytelling.

Unlock the Full Story of Wide Awake

Don't stop at just watching — explore Wide Awake in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Wide Awake is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Wide Awake Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Wide Awake, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Wide Awake Summary

Wide Awake Timeline

Track the full timeline of Wide Awake with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Wide Awake Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Wide Awake

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Wide Awake. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Wide Awake

More About Wide Awake

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Wide Awake: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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Discover movies like Wide Awake that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.