Review: Dead by Dawn (2020)

OK, we're big fans of Jamie Bernadette here in The Basement. That's something we haven't tried to hide. Which is why it pains me to say her latest effort, Dead by Dawn, just isn't that good.

The premise holds promise, as a man heads to his remote cabin wanting to commit suicide. His plans are put on hold, though, when he's forced to protect a kidnapped woman from a trio of sexual deviants and their sadistic games.

What unfolds is one part Last House on the Left, and another part I Spit on Your Grave, less the impact of those earlier films. For the most part, Dead by Dawn lacks any real thrills to hold your attention until the final 10 minutes. Then all hell breaks loose, and the film actually gains some momentum.

This means it's up to the cast to carry the movie. Sadly, most of them don't. Jamie is the one who truly shines. She's usually the scream queen/hero, but here she seems to be having the time of her life playing one of the bad guys. Her scenes deliver the goods.

The rest of the cast don't have the chops to keep up with her, despite their best efforts. Some of the performances reach the level of scenery chewing.

Dead by Dawn comes out today on VOD and Digital. I'm giving it a Bad, and saying the watch is up to you.

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