A family torn by grief. A secret buried for decades.
Logline
After the suicide of their brother, a fractured family reunites for his wake—only to uncover a devastating secret that forces them to reckon with decades of guilt, betrayal, and silence.
Synopsis
Twenty-five years ago, the Moore family lost baby Alex in a mysterious drowning. His death fractured their lives in ways they never fully addressed. Anne, his twin sister, hasn’t spoken since. Beth and Richard, their parents, quietly buried their grief. Marni and Dana, the eldest sisters, haven’t spoken in eight years—ever since betrayal tore them apart.
When Paul, the beloved eldest son and a Catholic priest, takes his own life, the family returns to their lakefront home for his wake. But instead of closure, long-buried secrets surface—affairs, guilt, and a hidden truth that threatens to destroy what little is left of the family bond.
In Paul’s final act, he leaves behind a confession that will change everything.
After the suicide of their brother, a fractured family reunites for his wake—only to uncover a devastating secret that forces them to reckon with decades of guilt, betrayal, and silence.
Director’s Statement
“Wake is about the quiet violence of what’s left unsaid. It’s a film about how grief calcifies over time, and how truth—no matter how painful—is the only path toward healing.”
— Arben Tom Ivanaj
Why This Film Now
In an era where audiences crave emotionally grounded stories, Wake offers an unflinching look at trauma, forgiveness, and family. The film speaks to a global conversation about generational wounds and the courage it takes to confront the past. It’s a timely story about silence—and the cost of keeping it.
Tone & Style
Wake is a moody, character-driven drama in the vein of Ordinary People, August: Osage County, and Manchester by the Sea. Shot with intimate cinematography, natural light, and still compositions, the film lives in emotional nuance. The setting—a lakefront house in Connecticut—serves as both a sanctuary and a haunting.
Cast Opportunities
Wake offers six emotionally rich roles for award-caliber talent:
- Beth (60s): A mother paralyzed by grief
- Richard (60s): A stoic patriarch hiding guilt
- Marni (40s): A tightly-wound high achiever
- Dana (40s): A rebel haunted by betrayal
- Adam (30s): The peacekeeper ready to break
- Anne (30s): Silent since childhood, until now
Technical Specifications
| Year of production | Pre-production |
| Format | Feature |
| Genres | Drama |
| Status | Packaging talent, financing in progress |
| Production Country | USA, France |
| Languages | English |
| Director | Arben Tom Ivanaj |
| Producer(s) | Raúl E. Peyret – Accerts Productions (US), Silence Films (FR) |
| Story By | Amedeo Talerico |
Contact
For casting, investment, or distribution inquiries, please reach out to:
📧 Info@accerts.com
📁 One-pager and deck available on request