Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Slick sci-fi has emotional and physical violence, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Awareness
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Ian (Carlos Scholz) lives with his dad (Pedro Alonso) in an abandoned boat on the edge of society in AWARENESS. Ian has special powers, an ability to make people see things that aren't there. His dad seems to want to keep him hidden away. Sure enough, after a particularly public display of his powers, a group of armed strangers sweeps him and carries him off. They're led by female agent Adriana (Lela Loren), who actually wants to conduct tests on Ian to figure out how extensive his powers are. Meanwhile, another powerful being called the Perceptor (Oscar Jaenada) is also after Ian. Not knowing whom to trust, Ian makes a break for it with the help of street fighter Ester (Maria Pedraza). But following the clues to his own past and the origin of his powers will bring more violence and loss than Ian ever imagined.
Is It Any Good?
This Spanish mishmash is technically quite slick but feels unoriginal in concept and portrayal. Awareness could serve as a calling card for its production designers and some of the lead cast (star Scholz, an unrecognizable Pedraza, her always solid Money Heist co-star Alonso, and local leading man Jaenada). Unfortunately, they're forced to divulge background in expository ways to make sure audiences grasp the somewhat convoluted storyline.
Meanwhile, some sequences -- like a shootout set to hip-hop -- and characters (especially the female leads) feel like amalgamations of scenes and personae you've seen before. It's neat to see Mexican American actress Loren here, transitioning seamlessly between languages, and Ian's search for his real parents provides an emotional core to grab onto. But ultimately there are more complete and original Spanish offerings out there.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the central plot of Awareness. Can you explain the story and the characters' backgrounds?
The film has a very distinct look, composed of color tones, camera movements, and locations. How would you describe the look? Did it remind you of any other films you've watched?
What do you think about the character of Ester?
Do you think what Vicente did when Ian was a baby was right, or not? Why?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 11, 2023
- Cast : Carlos Scholz , Pedro Alonso , Maria Pedraza
- Director : Daniel Benmayor
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Prime Video
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : STEM , Fantasy ( Magic )
- Run time : 113 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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