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Shepka Productions has announced the UK release of the hard-hitting revenge thriller, Dead Before They Wake, which will be available to rent or own on digital platforms starting January 27th. Based on true events, the film delivers a brutal, unflinching look at the dark realities of human trafficking while building toward an intense, vengeance-fueled finale.
The film, which premiered in the US on January 7th, follows nightclub bouncer Alex as he takes on a dangerous mission. Hired by a retired lawyer to locate a missing teenage girl suspected of falling victim to a trafficking ring, Alex embarks on a relentless quest to bring her home, no matter the cost.
A Star-Studded Ensemble
Dead Before They Wake boasts an impressive cast, including Nathan Shepka (Lock & Load, The Baby in the Basket), Grace Cordell (Cara), Manjot Sumal (The Last Bus, Scot Squad), and Kareem Nasif (The Job). The film also features two legendary screen icons: Sylvester McCoy (Doctor Who, The Hobbit trilogy) and Patrick Bergin (Sleeping with the Enemy, Patriot Games).
Adding to the film's emotional and dramatic weight is an original score by Academy Award-winning composer Joseph Renzetti, whose previous credits include Child’s Play and The Buddy Holly Story. The film is co-directed by Andy Crane and Nathan Shepka, with Shepka also serving as producer.
A Gritty, Real-World Focus
Inspired by real events, Dead Before They Wake dives into the disturbing world of UK-based trafficking rings. Co-director and producer Nathan Shepka emphasized the film’s commitment to authenticity, saying:
"We wanted to base the film on real events and researched how UK sex trafficking gangs operate to give the film a grounded sense of reality. It is important to highlight what goes on every day and can often be ignored by the mainstream. We don’t feel any studio would have taken on the story in this way—it is likely to be a divisive and controversial portrayal. Ultimately, there still has to be a pay-off for the audience; the film culminates in a brutal revenge-driven showdown."
Shepka Productions aims to shed light on the grim realities of trafficking while delivering a thrilling, high-stakes narrative. The filmmakers are unafraid to tackle tough subjects, offering a provocative story that is both raw and emotionally charged.
Mark Your Calendar
With its mix of gritty realism, stellar performances, and a pulse-pounding score, Dead Before They Wake promises to be a standout entry in the revenge thriller genre. The film will be available in the UK for digital download starting January 27th, while audiences in the US can already access it now.
Prepare for a tense and gripping cinematic experience that doesn’t shy away from the harsh truths of its subject matter.