Watch Before Dawn

Before Dawn is a British horror film released in 2013. The movie offers a claustrophobic experience to the viewers with a plot focusing on the couple's failing marriage amid the sudden outbreak of a zombie apocalypse. The story is crisp and very engaging, with a perfect blend of horror and emotions that keeps the audiences hooked. The lead character, Alex (Joanne Mitchell), and her husband, George (Dominic Brunt), decide to spend a romantic weekend at a remote cottage in the countryside. The opening shots of the movie show them on their way while providing important details of their strained relationship. Though the couple tries to rekindle their passion, the atmosphere is tense as they tackle various issues, and the audience finds their relationship quite relatable.

Things take a turn when Alex goes into the forest for a walk and encounters a strange, naked woman who attacks her. Meanwhile, George discovers that this woman was part of a group of locals who got infected due to a mutated strain of a viral outbreak, which has transformed them into flesh-eating monsters.

The rest of the movie follows George and Alex’s struggle to survive as they are trapped in the cottage, surrounded by these flesh-eating zombies. They have to defend themselves against these creatures and fight for survival, but the real struggle is to save their crumbling relationship.

The tension in the air is intense as the protagonists try to deal with the threat outside while coming to terms with the deep-rooted problems that exist within their relationship. The film’s climax is both terrifying and tragic, leaving the viewers with a feeling of unease.

Joanne Mitchell delivers an impressive performance as Alex, a conflicted character trying to keep her relationship and family together amidst the horror of the outbreak. Her character is the backbone of the film, and her transformation from a fragile, struggling wife to a strong-willed survivor is very well executed. Dominic Brunt, who is also the director of the movie, adds an extra flavor to the film and manages to pull off the role of a devoted and loving husband who is confused about his life choices.

The cinematography is impressive, and the rural backdrop of the movie is mesmerizing. The atmosphere within the cottage is claustrophobic and adds to the overall tone of the movie. The gore and special effects are well-done, making the zombies look sufficiently terrifying without making them excessively campy.

The film's sound design is remarkable, with the background score and sound effects adding to the movie's spooky feel. The sound design is simple yet effective in creating tension and anxiety, which makes the movie a perfect fit for horror enthusiasts.

Before Dawn is a compelling film that offers a unique blend of horror and human emotion. The movie delves into the complexities of a failing relationship in a terrifying, post-apocalyptic world. The fusion of horror and personal conflicts is the movie’s strongest feature.

The film's 82-minute runtime is an added advantage, making it a tightly packed and well-executed horror film. The movie does not resort to cheap thrills or special effects, and instead, it relies on tension and suspense, making it a gripping watch from start to finish.

In conclusion, Before Dawn may not appeal to all kinds of horror fans, but for those who like character-driven horror films, this movie is a must-watch. It is a mature and emotionally engaging horror spectacle that will leave the audience with much to think about. It’s a hidden gem that deserves a wider audience.

Before Dawn is a 2013 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8.