The Awakening
An American archaeologist is in Egypt with his pregnant wife, searching for the tomb of a long-lost Egyptian queen. At the same moment he discovers the tomb and opens it's accursed seal, his wife gives birth to his daughter. Years later it transpires that the malevolent spirit of the Egyptian queen left the tomb just as he was entering, and possessed his baby girl. As the truth becomes clear, the archaeologist realizes that he must destroy his daughter in a ceremonial ritual, before she uses her awesome powers to threaten the safety of mankind.
The film earned $8.4M at the global box office.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
The Awakening (1980) reveals strategically placed narrative design, characteristic of Mike Newell's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 45 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.0, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Characters
Cast & narrative archetypes
Matthew Corbeck
Jane Turner
Margaret Corbeck
Anne Corbeck
Main Cast & Characters
Matthew Corbeck
Played by Charlton Heston
An obsessed archaeologist who discovers the tomb of Queen Kara and becomes haunted by her spirit.
Jane Turner
Played by Susannah York
Corbeck's former colleague who becomes involved in the supernatural events surrounding his daughter.
Margaret Corbeck
Played by Stephanie Zimbalist
Corbeck's daughter, born at the moment of the tomb's opening and possibly possessed by Queen Kara.
Anne Corbeck
Played by Jill Townsend
Corbeck's wife who dies during childbirth under mysterious circumstances.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Archaeologist Matthew Corbeck obsessively searches for the tomb of Queen Kara in Egypt, 1961. His pregnant wife Jane waits at camp while he pursues his life's work.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 13 minutes when Matthew discovers Queen Kara's tomb at the exact moment his daughter Margaret is born. Jane experiences a traumatic, supernatural birth as the tomb is opened, suggesting a dark connection.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 26 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This indicates the protagonist's commitment to Eighteen years later, Matthew decides to reconnect with his now-adult daughter Margaret, choosing to bring her into his world of Egyptian antiquities despite the supernatural warnings., moving from reaction to action.
At 53 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Significantly, this crucial beat Matthew discovers the full truth: Queen Kara was murdered and vowed revenge through reincarnation. Margaret is her vessel. A mysterious death confirms the curse is real and accelerating., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 79 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Jane is killed by the supernatural force. Matthew realizes his obsession has cost him everything—his wife, his daughter's soul, and the lives of innocents. Margaret is fully possessed., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 84 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Matthew discovers the ritual that might sever Kara's hold on Margaret. He chooses to confront the ancient evil directly, accepting he must destroy the artifacts to free his daughter., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Awakening's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping The Awakening against these established plot points, we can identify how Mike Newell utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Awakening within the horror genre.
Mike Newell's Structural Approach
Among the 11 Mike Newell films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.9, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. The Awakening represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Mike Newell filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional horror films include Thinner, A Nightmare on Elm Street and Mary Reilly. For more Mike Newell analyses, see Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Mona Lisa Smile and Four Weddings and a Funeral.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Archaeologist Matthew Corbeck obsessively searches for the tomb of Queen Kara in Egypt, 1961. His pregnant wife Jane waits at camp while he pursues his life's work.
Theme
A colleague warns Matthew about the dangers of disturbing ancient tombs: "Some things are better left buried." The theme of obsession and its costs is introduced.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of Matthew's archaeological expedition, his team, the harsh desert environment, and the mounting tension as they near the tomb. Jane's pregnancy progresses uncomfortably in the heat.
Disruption
Matthew discovers Queen Kara's tomb at the exact moment his daughter Margaret is born. Jane experiences a traumatic, supernatural birth as the tomb is opened, suggesting a dark connection.
Resistance
Matthew becomes consumed by the tomb's artifacts and Queen Kara's history. His marriage deteriorates as Jane leaves with baby Margaret. Years pass; Matthew remains obsessed with his discovery.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Eighteen years later, Matthew decides to reconnect with his now-adult daughter Margaret, choosing to bring her into his world of Egyptian antiquities despite the supernatural warnings.
Mirror World
Margaret meets her father and becomes fascinated by Queen Kara's story. Their relationship develops as she mirrors the ancient queen, both in appearance and emerging behavior.
Premise
Margaret becomes increasingly possessed by Queen Kara's spirit. Strange deaths occur around those who disturbed the tomb. Matthew researches the curse while Margaret exhibits supernatural abilities and violent tendencies.
Midpoint
Matthew discovers the full truth: Queen Kara was murdered and vowed revenge through reincarnation. Margaret is her vessel. A mysterious death confirms the curse is real and accelerating.
Opposition
Margaret's possession intensifies as Kara's consciousness takes control. More deaths follow. Matthew struggles to save his daughter while Jane and others become targets. The ancient queen's revenge unfolds methodically.
Collapse
Jane is killed by the supernatural force. Matthew realizes his obsession has cost him everything—his wife, his daughter's soul, and the lives of innocents. Margaret is fully possessed.
Crisis
Matthew mourns in despair, confronting the consequences of disturbing the tomb. He must decide whether to save Margaret or stop Queen Kara, knowing he may lose his daughter either way.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Matthew discovers the ritual that might sever Kara's hold on Margaret. He chooses to confront the ancient evil directly, accepting he must destroy the artifacts to free his daughter.
Synthesis
Matthew confronts Margaret/Kara in a climactic supernatural battle. He attempts to destroy the artifacts and break the curse, fighting both the ancient queen's power and his daughter's possessed form.
Transformation
The ambiguous ending: Matthew's fate is sealed by his obsession. Whether Margaret is freed or Kara prevails remains uncertain, suggesting some curses cannot be undone.