Wild Awakening
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Wild Awakening
"Wild Awakening (2016)", also known by its original Spanish title "Salvaje despertar", is a drama and erotic thriller directed by Joan Fermí Martí. The film centers on siblings Toni and Emma, who inherit their family's horse ranch. The story delves into their complex relationships, particularly as both develop feelings for Aaron, the foreman Ramon's son. The narrative escalates into a murder investigation, fueled by hidden desires, forbidden love, and family secrets. Characterized by its melodramatic and campy tone, the film explicitly explores themes of homosexuality and sexuality, portraying adult situations and relationships. It is intended for a mature adult audience, with content making it unsuitable for children or young teens.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The movie prominently features LGBTQ+ characters and themes as central to its plot. Toni, a main character, is openly gay and leads a promiscuous lifestyle. Aaron, another central figure, is closeted gay, and the plot explores his forbidden relationship with Toni, which is met with extreme homophobia from his father, Ramon. A character named Gina is also identified as a 'pre-op tran'.
Toni is depicted as an "openly gay who loves to party" and is noted for his "promiscuous, gay sex life". Aaron is introduced as a "closeted gay" character whose burgeoning relationship with Toni forms a significant part of the storyline, despite Emma's affections. Ramon, Aaron's father, expresses extreme homophobia, stating, "dios sabe que prefiero un hijo muerto antes que Maricon" (God knows I'd rather have a dead son than a faggot). The film also features a character named Gina, referred to as a "pre-op tran".
Violence
The narrative is framed by a murder investigation, making violence a central theme. The plot begins with characters being questioned about the disappearance and suspected murder of Aaron, implying a violent end resulting from the dramatic conflicts within the story. Ramon's intense hatred and dark secrets are linked to the eventual police action.
Romance and Sexual Content
The film is explicitly described as an "erotic story of forbidden love" and a "campy gay soap opera," featuring copious sensuality and sexual content. This includes softcore footage, gratuitous male nudity, and explicit mentions of "sensuous man-on-man action" and a character's promiscuous gay sex life. Intimate scenes are a significant component of the film.
Disrespect & Rebellion
The film prominently features instances of disrespect and rebellion. Ramon displays intense homophobia and contempt towards Toni and his own son, Aaron, for his sexuality. Aaron, in turn, acts in direct defiance of his father's wishes regarding his romantic relationships. Toni is also characterized by a generally rebellious and promiscuous lifestyle.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
Mature Adults Only (18+). The film features explicit gay sexual content, full nudity, a central murder plot, strong homophobic language, and themes of infidelity and rebellion, making it inappropriate for viewers under 18 years of age.
Good to Know
The film's runtime varies slightly across different sources, typically ranging from 89 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, with Apple TV listing it as 1 hour and 32 minutes. It is marketed as an 'erotic thriller' and 'gay soap opera', indicating its specific genre and target audience. The film does not have an official MPAA rating, but its content strongly aligns with an R or NC-17 equivalent due to mature sexual themes and violence.
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