Just Before Dawn swaps out gore for a sun-drenched atmosphere to glorious results.
I watched the extended version of the film still in its original grindhouse quality and honestly I wouldn't want to watch it in any other quality. The film dirt and grain compliments the warm look of the film so much.
While movies like Friday the 13th and The burning had bits of that nature-y atmosphere, Just Before Dawn puts atmosphere and nature at forefront, producing some of the best shots that are on the same level as some of today's "arthouse horror." All the long shots of the waterfall and trees create a serene mood that is further emphasised by the natural diegetic sounds. The sun-soaked environment makes everything and everyone glisten. Last year's In A Violent Nature is usually seen as being inspired by Friday The 13th, but I think it takes more from Just Before Dawn by having that same nature-y atmosphere.
Another element of the film that adds to the atmosphere, this time creating a dreadful one, is the non-diegetic whistles that randomly pop up throughout the film. It always sent a chill down my back no matter how many times i heard it, especially during the end credits. It was always effective in creating fear even when the killer wasn't present.
Speaking of the killer, he's rarely in the movie at all and his costume design isn't all that memorable but that's okay because we're here for the characters.
Luckily the characters we're with are actually fun to spend time with. All their costumes are so stylish and fit really well with the summer aesthetic of the film. Their not your stereotypical slasher characters and are actually developed. Yes they do participate in some skinny dipping and kissing and drinking - which are staples of a slasher character - but it all feels like innocent fun instead of exploitation. They all feel like real people and the actors put up really good performances.
Though the film could've benefited from a better pacing, this is still a very good atmospheric slasher. And continues the streak of 1981 being a great year for slashers with other films like The Burning, Friday part 2 and Hell Night.
Just Before Dawn swaps out gore for a sun-drenched atmosphere to glorious results.
I watched the extended version of the film still in its original grindhouse quality and honestly I wouldn't want to watch it in any other quality. The film dirt and grain compliments the warm look of the film so much.
While movies like Friday the 13th and The burning had bits of that nature-y atmosphere, Just Before Dawn puts atmosphere and nature at forefront, producing some of the best shots that are on the same level as some of today's "arthouse horror." All the long shots of the waterfall and trees create a serene mood that is further emphasised by the natural diegetic sounds. The sun-soaked environment makes everything and everyone glisten. Last year's In A Violent Nature is usually seen as being inspired by Friday The 13th, but I think it takes more from Just Before Dawn by having that same nature-y atmosphere.
Another element of the film that adds to the atmosphere, this time creating a dreadful one, is the non-diegetic whistles that randomly pop up throughout the film. It always sent a chill down my back no matter how many times i heard it, especially during the end credits. It was always effective in creating fear even when the killer wasn't present.
Speaking of the killer, he's rarely in the movie at all and his costume design isn't all that memorable but that's okay because we're here for the characters.
Luckily the characters we're with are actually fun to spend time with. All their costumes are so stylish and fit really well with the summer aesthetic of the film. Their not your stereotypical slasher characters and are actually developed. Yes they do participate in some skinny dipping and kissing and drinking - which are staples of a slasher character - but it all feels like innocent fun instead of exploitation. They all feel like real people and the actors put up really good performances.
Though the film could've benefited from a better pacing, this is still a very good atmospheric slasher. And continues the streak of 1981 being a great year for slashers with other films like The Burning, Friday part 2 and Hell Night.
