𝐀 𝐖𝐚𝐤𝐞 (𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟗)

A Wake is a drama film directed by Scott Boswell, tackling themes of grief, identity, family conflict, and LGBTQ+ acceptance. The film is a deeply emotional and intimate look at how different members of a family cope with the sudden loss of a teenage son, forcing them to confront long-buried tensions, secrets, and personal struggles.

Set primarily during the wake of Mitchell, a young gay teen who has tragically died, the story is told through the eyes of his twin brother, Mason, as he struggles with loss while trying to bridge the emotional distance within his family. The arrival of Mitchell’s secret boyfriend adds another layer of tension, exposing the family’s prejudices, regrets, and inability to fully accept who Mitchell was.

With strong performances, a raw and poignant script, and a powerful message about love, acceptance, and forgiveness, A Wake is a moving exploration of the ways grief can either divide or bring a family together.

The film revolves around the Linden family, who have gathered at their home for Mitchell’s wake. As the ceremony unfolds, unspoken emotions and unresolved conflicts rise to the surface, revealing the fractured relationships and differing ways each family member is processing grief.

The Family Dynamics & Conflicts:

• Mason (Noah Urrea) – Mitchell’s twin brother, who looks exactly like him but couldn’t be more different. While Mason is introverted and emotionally restrained, Mitchell was expressive, artistic, and confident in his identity as a gay teen. Mason struggles to understand why his brother took his own life and feels guilty for not being able to save him.
• Megan (Sofia Rosinsky) – Their younger sister, wise beyond her years, who notices and questions the cracks in the family’s dynamic.
• James (Kolton Stewart) – The estranged older brother, who left home years ago after falling out with their deeply religious stepmother. His return stirs tension, as he was absent from Mitchell’s life and has unresolved issues with his father.
• Anne (Megan Trout) – Their stepmother, whose religious beliefs clashed with Mitchell’s sexuality. She loved him but couldn’t fully accept him, leading to a strained and complicated relationship. She struggles with guilt, denial, and unresolved feelings about her stepson’s identity.

• Mason’s Father (Miles G. Jackson) – A distant and emotionally unavailable man who avoids discussing emotions, leaving his children feeling disconnected.
• Mitchell’s Boyfriend (Lukas Gage) – His arrival at the wake is unexpected and disruptive, as the family was unaware of Mitchell’s romantic life. His presence forces them to confront the reality of who Mitchell really was and the role their lack of acceptance may have played in his death.

If you enjoy introspective, character-driven dramas that explore themes of grief, identity, and family tension, A Wake is a deeply moving and thought-provoking film. It avoids sensationalism, instead focusing on the quiet, real-life struggles that come with losing someone you love—especially when that person’s true self was never fully accepted.