The highly anticipated slasher film, “Wake Up,” directed by the French-Canadian trio RKSS, is set to make its debut at Austin’s Fantastic Fest. The film provides audiences with a gripping and intense experience as a group of hot-headed Gen Z activists find themselves hunted down within the confines of a furniture superstore. Written by Alberto Marini, based on an original idea by Martin Soudan, and presented by Borsalino Productions and Studiocanal, “Wake Up” promises to deliver heart-pounding thrills and a unique storyline.
The core concept of “Wake Up,” combined with its timely subject matter, immediately captures the attention of audiences. The French-Canadian directing trio, RKSS, were drawn to the script from the moment they read it. The opportunity to visualize and bring their own signature to the project was too enticing to resist. The closed-off setting of a furniture store and warehouse serves as an exciting playground for the slasher film, adding an additional layer of suspense to the narrative.
“Wake Up” boasts a talented ensemble cast, featuring Benny O. Arthur, Jacqueline Moré, Charlotte Stoiber, Kyle Scudder, and newcomers Alessia Yoko Fontana and Tom Gould. The film also introduces Irish actors Turlough Convery and Aidan O’Hare, bringing depth and complexity to their respective roles. With each actor embodying their characters with conviction, the performances in “Wake Up” are set to be nothing short of captivating.
RKSS burst onto the filmmaking scene with their debut feature, “Turbo Kid,” which premiered at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival and won the SXSW 2015 Midnighters Audience Award. Following their initial success, the trio continued their creative journey with “Summer of 84,” showcased at Sundance in 2018. Their most recent endeavor, “We Are Zombies,” an adaptation of a comic book, premiered at the 2023 Fantasia International Film Festival, where it received the Audience Award Gold for Best Québec Feature. With a proven track record of delivering exceptional films, RKSS is poised to captivate audiences once again with “Wake Up.”
The world premiere of “Wake Up” at Fantastic Fest is a momentous occasion for the filmmakers and the cast involved. It showcases their creative prowess and ability to craft a compelling and thrilling narrative. As audiences gather to witness the heart-pounding events that unfold within the furniture superstore, the anticipation for the film is palpable. The excitement surrounding “Wake Up” will undoubtedly solidify RKSS’ reputation as innovative storytellers within the genre.
“Wake Up” holds great promise as a slasher film that will push boundaries and captivate audiences. Its unique concept, talented cast, and the creative vision of the RKSS directing trio ensure an enthralling cinematic experience. As the film debuts at Austin’s Fantastic Fest, it is set to leave a lasting impression on audiences and solidify RKSS’ status as visionary filmmakers in the industry.