Wake Up

There is no shortage of human trafficking movies out there. They all center around underaged girls being exploited and trafficked by a group of men referred to as "coyotes". This film, like the others, has plenty of that. What makes this film stand out is in its ability to justify the antagonists' motivations. No antagonist ever considers themselves a villain. But it's the villains-one in particular's motivations that are (no spoilers) revealed to be the most tragic and compelling. This is a human-trafficking frontrunner worthy of the likes of heavily-praised "Trafficked" and the decent (although corporately maligned) "The Sound of Freedom". David Gridley offers a standout performance. O'Shay Neal is terrifying. Janet Craig's psycho-sexual thriller pulls no punches in this unflinching expose on merciless sexual servitude. With twists galore, it's that final uppercut to the gut that stays with you long after the credits roil.

As someone who works on the prevention of human trafficking and incorporates film for raising awareness and educating parents and young people about the threats to children, I found Wake Up by Janet Craig essential viewing for anyone who wants to know what domestic trafficking looks like. There is no single way trafficking and other forms of exploitation occur and not one type of person sought, but as one of the demographics most targeted is children in the foster care system, this film hits the gut, exposing the threats to those children who age out of the system and are actively preyed upon by traffickers. This film balances the heartbreak with hope - that when this growing threat to our most vulnerable family and commuinity members is seen, understood and taken seriously, we can prevent and reclaim those at risk. A judge in Los Angeles who oversaw the juveline court that saw a stream of trafficked girls come before her, told me that if do not demonstrate our will to stick with those who are exploited, we will lose them to the traffickers who do not give up. These children have become commodities to be exploited, and as long as there are men who are willing to priotitize personal pleasure and wealth over the future that breathes through our children, we will bear more of the heartbreak and less of the hope. Watch this film, wake up, and take a stand.

From the dramatic opening chords, "Wake Up" plunges us into a world where four children are thrust into the foster care system, setting the stage for a story that leaps ten years forward into an environment rife with sexual oppression. This film doesn't pull any punches-it's tough, unflinching, and deeply unsettling. Themes of exploitation and slavery are at the forefront, painting a harrowing picture of a society grappling with its darkest elements.

At the heart of "Wake Up" is a detective who, along with the children's new parents, becomes ensnared in a dangerous game of criminality and moral ambiguity. The film masterfully explores the complexity of guilt and complicity, as institutions struggle to address these horrific wrongs.

"Wake Up" is a thought-provoking exploration into the grim realities of sexual exploitation. It's a challenging watch, but one that forces its audience to confront uncomfortable truths about a world many would prefer to ignore.

I was so impressed by this movie! The storyline, characters and subject matter are portrayed in an honest and unflinching manner. The filmmakers do not pull any punches, and the result is an incredibly moving and insightful look into the world of child sex trafficking. From the manipulative way foster children are exploited, to the levels of organization involved, to pillars of the community who secretly support this awful crime, to a few good guys doing something about it, every stone was uncovered and dealt with. Full kudos go to writer/director Janet Craig, co-writer Dan Horan, and a talented group of actors willing to venture into the darkest corners of the human soul to tell this important story. O'Shay Neal gives a standout performance as one of the most despicable characters I've seen. It's the best drama you'll see this year!

Wake Up (2022) is an uncompromising dive into the grim realities of sex trafficking in the USA. Its interwoven storylines reveal a chilling mosaic of lives shattered by exploitation, offering an unrelenting look at a world where innocence is bartered and humanity feels like a luxury.

The performances are gut-wrenchingly raw, with each actor delivering stripped-down, intensely real portrayals. Director, Janet Craig, keeps a steady hand on the wheel, steering the film through harrowing territory without resorting to cheap sensationalism. The result is gripping, emotionally charged storytelling that keeps you riveted even as it pulls you deeper into its dark, unyielding world.

However, the film's relentless bleakness leaves little room for reprieve, a creative choice that may drain some viewers. While it doesn't always strike a perfect balance, its impact is undeniable. Wake Up is a harrowing, hard-hitting drama that shakes its audience to their core-and ensures they'll never forget its message.