Watch Dawn

Dawn is a stirring Australian drama released in 2014, that explores the aftermath of a tragedy that takes place in a small town in rural Australia. The film follows the story of a married couple, Ian and Claire, who are parents of a young daughter, Sam. On an ordinary day, like any other day, their world is shattered when Sam is killed in a freak accident on the family farm.

The film interestingly utilizes a non-linear narrative to explore the complex emotions that the characters experience in the wake of their loss. Rather than following a straightforward cause-and-effect storytelling style, the film jumps back and forth in time, presenting different moments and memories, to gradually reveal the events leading up to Sam's death as well as the devastating aftermath.

Ian, played by John Crouch, is a hard-working farmer who becomes increasingly distant and withdrawn, retreating away from Claire, played by Leeanna Walsman, and the outside world. The guilt of having let his daughter die right in front of him consumes him, leaving him emotionally addled and isolating himself from his wife, adding fuel to Claire's anguish.

Claire is a strong, loving mother who tries to keep going after the loss of her daughter, but finds it nearly impossible to find relief from the grief. A grieving parent's worst nightmare these scenes are unflinching and painful, as we see Claire's struggle to cope with the loss of her child. Her loneliness in the midst of populated streets, desolation among people, and each memory becomes a burdening weight.

Honour Nottle stars as Emily, a young girl who becomes a beacon of comfort to Claire, and is one of the few adults in the community that offers her any form of support. The character of Emily is a stark contrast to Ian's isolation, as she refuses to let life stop at her young age, her presence and support ends up being a kind of lifeline for Ian and Claire as they struggle to come to terms with life after the loss of their child.

Overall, the film feels real and raw, devoid of the heightened melodrama that can feel inherent to the many films and TV shows that tackle similar subjects. The characters feel genuine and grounded, never descending into stereotype or over-dramatization. The cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the Australian outback in a way that's both expansive and intimate, making it clear that the landscape and geography are just as much a part of the story as the human emotions on display.

Despite tackling a difficult subject matter, Dawn never feels exploitative or sensationalistic, instead opting for an honest and true portrayal of grief and loss. Despite the darkness, the film is ultimately about hope and the power of human connection in the darkest times. Of special note, the performances from the actors playing the bereaved parents are extraordinary, with Walmsley and Crouch bringing humanity and depth to roles that could easily have been one-note.

In conclusion, Dawn is a cinematic gem that addresses the reality of loss with sensitivity and grace. Although it deals with a difficult subject, the film handles it with remarkable sobriety and maturity. Dawn is ultimately an exploration of the essence of human resilience in the face of adversity, a sobering but vital look at how people deal with life-altering loss.

Dawn is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.