James Cortez, who runs the popular horror website Planet of Terror, has been raving about the indie flick “Dawning” since I met him. Written and directed by Gregg Holtgrewe, “Dawning” is a slow-burn psychological thriller focused entirely on an isolated cabin and the threat of something – or someone – in the woods. Add in a mysterious stranger warning them not to go outside and you have a solid little thriller in the making.
Or not. At least I didn’t think so. Amidst the myriad positive reviews, I am a lone naysayer who simply believes that “Dawning” falls flat on almost all fronts. So pop in the movie (if you have it) and decide for yourself. Does James make some valid points, or do my mildly incoherent ramblings make a bit of sense upon second viewing? Check out the trailer and official synopsis below.
“Dawning” takes place at a Northern Minnesota lake cabin where a brother and sister visit their father and step-mom. As the first night unfolds with uncomfortable small-talk and tension, tragedy strikes as the beloved family dog is found mortally wounded. Almost immediately a stranger, potentially under the spell of some un-seen “presence”, appears in the cabin and tells the family that he has come to save them…but from what? The man’s arrival upsets what at best was only a tentative balance and the pretense at civility begins to crumble. Soon, their lack of trust in each other and their inability to cope with any new pressure exposes their weaknesses and what the stranger has started, whatever is waiting in the dark may finish.
Dawning Movie Trailer from Gregg Holtgrewe on Vimeo.
Agreed. I didn’t get what the buzz was about this movie. It needed some sort of resolution not some vague ending that didn’t really address…anything
The ending, or rather, the muddled reveal, are some of my biggest complaints. It had the elements, I just think it needed a more experienced director.