Watch Standing at Dawn

Standing at Dawn is a poignant drama that follows protagonist Mark (Tom Hendryk) as he navigates the complexities of both love and grief. After experiencing the sudden loss of his wife Emma (played by Eve Harding), Mark is left struggling to come to terms with her death while also attempting to fulfill the promise he made to her; to create a nature sanctuary on their property.

As the movie progresses, Mark is introduced to local conservationist Becca (Kelly McCormack) who helps him in his mission to fulfill Emma's dream, and in doing so, Mark learns to process his grief and move forward in life. Throughout the film, we see Mark and Becca's relationship develop, hinted at through small gestures and underlying moments of tenderness. However, it is not until the final scenes that their feelings for one another are explicitly addressed.

The movie's title, Standing at Dawn, can be interpreted in a number of ways. At its most basic level, it reflects the time of day that Mark frequently spends observing the nature around him. This simple act of being present in the moment and aware of the beauty of his surroundings is a reflection of his wish to honor Emma's memory, and it is one of the main themes of the film.

The title is also symbolic of the figurative 'dawn' that Mark experiences as he begins to move forward from his grief. Through his conversations with Becca and in his work creating the nature sanctuary, Mark begins to find a sense of purpose and meaning once again. There is a sense of new beginnings and hope that is reflected in the title of the film.

At its heart, Standing at Dawn is a story about the healing power of nature and how it can help people to find solace in the midst of chaos. We see Mark's transformation from someone who is struggling to cope with the pain of loss, to a man who is able to find peace in the present moment. The natural world around him provides a sense of continuity and stability that he desperately needs.

The film is beautifully shot, with many scenes showcasing the lush greenery of Mark and Emma's property. There are also several gorgeous shots of wildlife, which function both as a reminder of the beauty of nature and as a symbol of the cycle of life.

The performances of the actors in the movie are understated but effective. Tom Hendryk's portrayal of Mark is particularly moving, and his quiet moments of reflection are some of the most powerful in the film. Kelly McCormack is also impressive as Becca; her performance is understated but nuanced, and there is a real sense of chemistry between her and Hendryk.

Overall, Standing at Dawn is a touching story that will likely resonate with anyone who has experienced loss or who has found comfort in nature. While it is a quiet and contemplative film, its themes of love, resilience, and renewal make it a powerful and moving experience.

Standing at Dawn is a 2018 action movie with a runtime of 14 hours. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.