rentboy828

Without relying on cheesy special effects, this movie is able to tell an intriguing story that is equal parts family drama, murder mystery, and sci-fi thriller. With a plot similar to the horrible Ashton Kutcher film "The Butterfly Effect," this film benefits from two strong female leads (Julie Carlson and Jadin Gould) and spot-on direction. At times, the low-budget constraints show, particularly with the lighting, but the film satisfies on many levels. It doesn't try to add a deep, metaphysical meaning to the events that transpire, which makes it a perfect Sunday afternoon rental. I was pleasantly surprised by this film and look forward to see what the directors do next.

Based on the trailer, I was concerned that this film would be pretentious and boring; I am happy to be wrong! The story is compelling and the characters are believable, which is crucial to the horror genre. There are no cheap quick scares; instead the film is long on tension and atmosphere. The viewers are spared blood and gore. The acting, across-the-board, is fantastic. I especially liked Christine Kellogg-Darrin, who brings heart to the role of Laura, a woman fighting to keep her marriage intact and bond with her resentful step-daughter. For people who appreciate intelligent horror films, "Dawning" is a must.

I saw this film at Nevermore Film Festival in Durham, NC, and I have to admit I was impressed. There were several moments of genuine terror that are lacking in most modern slasher films. The acting is strong, and the story is compelling. The writers/directors manage to create fear without resorting to graphic murders. My one complaint is that (SPOILER) the writers tack on two twist endings, one of which has been used in nearly every recent horror film I've seen. Despite this minor misstep, I completely enjoyed this throwback to the classic slasher flicks like "Halloween."

Check out "Frayed"if it shows at a nearby film festival. If not, the producers said that they are in negotiation with a major DVD label for a 2008 release.