Dawn Review

Dawn is a 2020 short film Written and Directed by Lauren Lox.

As I sat down to Dawn, I have to admit it took a moment to grow on me, not unlike that of the lead character for which the film title comes from, Dawn. It is a simple story that takes some time to evolve but it does what all good stories should and that is to slowly build off of each element in a smart way.

If there is one piece of the short that did not take any time at all for me to enjoy it was the visual style of the film. The nice soft film look is always one of my personal favorites. I have to surmise that some sort of pro mist filter was used which also gives some amazing looking skin tones. Direct of Photography Robert Lloyd Moore also captures the outdoor lighting amazingly. It is easy to find the lighting peaking when shooting outdoors and I am happy to report that everything was nice and even here.

The acting is pretty solid as well. Leads Alex Christian as Jeff and Lauren Lox as Dawn herself were standouts. I felt the two supporting actors in the film Becca Brooks as Jeff’s Mom and Lorraine Eubank as Anita were not quite as strong, but by no means bad in any way.

I think where the greatest enjoyment or lack thereof you may get from Dawn comes in whether or not you enjoy the manic pixie dream girl trope of storytelling. While the film is more complex than just to place it solely in this category, it is very strong in the first act. The characters do reveal much deeper motivations for everything as we go on but I could see where it might be a turn off to some. I myself have always enjoyed it in films like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind so I always do like the trope.

Overall, I think Dawn is worth checking out. Writer/Director Lauren Lox has a good eye for visuals and I enjoy her style on display here, I also think she has some strong writing instincts that are shown off as well. This is a well-produced, well-paced film that will leave you thinking more on making the most of every day and we need more positive motivation like this film than ever before.

To follow on social media: Dawn Instagram, Dawn Facebook, Dawn Twitter. Director Instagram, Director Facebook, Director Twitter.

Cheers!

Daniel Hess

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