Dark Comedy Film Wake Has Released First Look
The upcoming feature explores family dynamics through the lens of a funeral wake.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Comedy
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Collider has unveiled a first look at the dark comedy film Wake. The story follows four semi-estranged siblings who reunite after the death of their father.
Why it matters
The project serves as the feature-length directorial debut for Devon Michaels. It explores how individuals cope with loss through contrasting grieving methods and the chaotic social demands of a wake.
The film centers on a core cast of four semi-estranged siblings grappling with their father's death. The ensemble features Cole Sprouse, Penelope Ann Miller, Chris Parnell, and Nelson Franklin.
The players
Devon Michaels
Devon Michaels is the director and co-writer who is making his feature-length directorial debut with this film.
Kelly O'Malley
Kelly O'Malley is the producer, co-writer, and a cast member who drew from her personal life to develop the script.
Cole Sprouse
Cole Sprouse is a lead actor in the ensemble who plays the character Cade.
The details
The script, co-written by director Devon Michaels and producer Kelly O'Malley, was inspired by O'Malley's own experience processing the death of her father. The film portrays the siblings navigating the tension of the service while managing the arrival of various guests.
Timeline
The world premiere of Wake is scheduled for October 2026 at the Heartland International Film Festival.
The film will also screen at the Newport Beach Film Festival in October 2026.
Industry Dynamics
Wake follows the industry trend of independent filmmakers utilizing festival circuits like Heartland and Newport Beach to build momentum for dark comedies. This strategy positions the film within a growing market of character-driven projects that prioritize intimate, nuanced storytelling.
Audiences can look forward to upcoming screenings at the Heartland International Film Festival in Indianapolis and the Newport Beach Film Festival. These festival runs offer the first opportunities to view the production before broader release details are finalized.
The takeaway
This film provides a creative examination of how families reconcile during moments of collective grief. It highlights the trend of personal storytelling being transformed into character-led dark comedies for the screen.
Further reading
Explore the latest developments in the independent film scene on our Comedy page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Collider.
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Would you go to see a dark comedy centered on a dysfunctional family funeral?
