Dawn Breaks Behind the Eyes Review Film

Movie Bunker Score:
3.5/5

Dawn Breaks Behind the Eyes

Release: 2022-06-24Genre: HorrorDuration: 74 minsBudget: $ 450,000
Overview

After inheriting a run-down castle, a dispirited woman and her ill-tempered husband decide to spend the night, as time and reality shift around them.

Dawn Breaks Behind the Eyes

Release: 2022-06-24Genre: HorrorDuration: 74 minsBudget: $ 450,000
Overview

After inheriting a run-down castle, a dispirited woman and her ill-tempered husband decide to spend the night, as time and reality shift around them.

The Unique Visuals of Dawn Breaks Behind The Eyes

When it comes to visual appeal, Dawn Breaks Behind The Eyes certainly delivers. The film, directed by Kevin Kopacka, offers a visually splendid foray into dysfunctional marriage through the lens of gothic horror. Described as a “love letter to European cinema of the sixties and seventies,” it sets out to captivate audiences with its unique aesthetic.

One of the standout aspects of Dawn Breaks Behind The Eyes is its stunning lighting. The clever use of color and shadow creates striking tableaus that immediately grab the viewer’s attention. Vibrant shades of reds, yellows, and blues adorn the screen, reminiscent of the iconic imagery of German Expressionism. Additionally, the film expertly balances darkness and visibility, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in the story without sacrificing clarity. The clever utilization of blue shading further enhances the visual experience.

Aside from its impressive lights, the film also boasts grand and gothic set designs. The cinematography skillfully showcases the grandeur of these sets, juxtaposing them with the relatively smaller size of the actors. This stark contrast adds depth and dimension to the film’s visual composition, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Complementing the visuals is a minimal yet effective soundtrack that employs specific instruments to represent different characters, further immersing the audience in the eerie atmosphere.

While the craftsmanship of Dawn Breaks Behind The Eyes is undeniably impressive, there is one aspect that slightly detracts from the overall experience – the sound editing. At times, ambient white noise can be heard in the background during dialogue scenes, momentarily distracting from the performances. However, it’s worth noting that this issue diminishes as the film progresses, suggesting it may have been an intentional choice. Nevertheless, some viewers may find it momentarily disruptive during certain moments.

A Twist That Changes Everything

Despite the visual brilliance and technical prowess of Dawn Breaks Behind The Eyes, the film takes a sharp turn in its second half that may leave some viewers perplexed. The marketing and promotional materials, including the synopsis and trailer, initially set the expectation of a story revolving around a dysfunctional couple inheriting a haunted mansion with a dark familial past. This setup, combined with the exploration of madness mirroring the husband’s mistreatment of his wife, forms the foundation of the film’s first half.

However, just before reaching the halfway mark, Dawn Breaks Behind The Eyes undergoes a complete transformation. It feels like a different movie altogether, introducing new characters, relationships, and even distinct cinematographic choices. This sudden shift in tone and narrative approach can be disorienting, resulting in a jarring experience for the viewers. While the plot and themes may remain consistent between the two halves, the significant departure from the initial setup may leave some feeling misled and uncertain.

It’s challenging to explore specific details without revealing major spoilers, but the film’s structure can be seen as a deliberate attempt to deceive and surprise the audience. While this concept has potential, the execution falls short due to the lack of sufficient development and cohesion between the two halves. With a runtime of less than 75 minutes, the brevity of each half further limits their individual strength and impact.

Is Dawn Breaks Behind The Eyes Worth Watching?

The question of whether to recommend Dawn Breaks Behind The Eyes ultimately depends on individual preferences. Visually, the film is a treat, with impeccable lighting, stunning set designs, and skilled cinematography. The performances across the entire cast are commendable.

However, the disjointed nature of the film and the unexpected narrative shift may leave some viewers feeling unsatisfied. While each half has its merits, neither is given the opportunity to fully flourish. If the first half was condensed to allow the second half to expand and develop into the central plot, the overall experience would have been more cohesive and fulfilling.

If you are intrigued by the unique visuals, the exploration of dysfunctional relationships, and don’t mind the risk of narrative surprises, then Dawn Breaks Behind The Eyes is definitely worth a watch. Keep in mind, though, that the film defies expectations and may challenge preconceived notions of its storyline.

Conclusion

Dawn Breaks Behind The Eyes presents a visually stunning and aesthetically captivating experience that is sure to appeal to fans of arthouse horror. The skillful use of lighting, set design, and cinematography creates visually arresting scenes that invoke the spirit of European cinema of the past. However, the film falters in its execution of the narrative twist, leading to a disjointed and somewhat misleading viewing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is the visual presentation of Dawn Breaks Behind The Eyes so impressive?

The film utilizes clever lighting techniques, vibrant colors, and shadow play to create visually striking and emotionally evocative scenes that leave a lasting impression on the viewer.

2. How does the soundtrack contribute to the overall atmosphere of the film?

The minimal yet effective soundtrack employs specific instruments to represent different characters, effectively enhancing the eerie ambiance and drawing audiences further into the narrative.

3. Does the narrative twist add depth to the film or feel out of place?

Opinions may vary on this matter. While some viewers appreciate the unexpected turn and its thematic consistency, others might find it disorienting and misleading, detracting from their overall enjoyment of the film.

4. Is the runtime of Dawn Breaks Behind The Eyes sufficient to fully explore its story?

At less than 75 minutes, each half of the film feels rushed and lacks the necessary time for thorough development. This limitation results in a missed opportunity to fully realize the potential of the plot and characters.

5. Who would appreciate Dawn Breaks Behind The Eyes despite its narrative flaws?

Fans of visually captivating films, experimental narratives, and those who appreciate arthouse horror may find enough redeeming qualities in Dawn Breaks Behind The Eyes to justify giving it a chance. However, viewers should be prepared for unexpected twists and a departure from typical storytelling conventions.

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