Dawn of the Beast (2021)

Review Team

3.5/5

Dawn of the Beast, directed by Bruce Wemple, presents a chilling exploration of folklore through the lens of horror. The film's premise, where graduate students seek the elusive Bigfoot only to encounter the Wendigo, cleverly intertwines two mythic creatures into a singular narrative. The performanc ... Show more >> Dawn of the Beast, directed by Bruce Wemple, presents a chilling exploration of folklore through the lens of horror. The film's premise, where graduate students seek the elusive Bigfoot only to encounter the Wendigo, cleverly intertwines two mythic creatures into a singular narrative. The performances from the cast are commendable, adding a layer of authenticity to their desperation as they navigate the haunting wilderness. While the film's pacing occasionally falters, resulting in stretches that feel drawn out, it compensates with effective suspense and atmospheric tension. The cinematography captures the eerie beauty of the Northeastern woods, enhancing the overall sense of dread. Although it may not redefine the genre, Dawn of the Beast delivers an engaging experience for horror enthusiasts, making it a worthy watch for those intrigued by creature features. Show less

Editor Team

2.5/5

Dawn of the Beast has all the right ingredients for a classic creature feature, but it unfortunately falls short of expectations. The premise is intriguing: a group of students head into the woods in search of Bigfoot, only to awaken a far more terrifying presence—the Wendigo. While the concept is s ... Show more >> Dawn of the Beast has all the right ingredients for a classic creature feature, but it unfortunately falls short of expectations. The premise is intriguing: a group of students head into the woods in search of Bigfoot, only to awaken a far more terrifying presence—the Wendigo. While the concept is solid, the execution leaves much to be desired. The characters lack depth, making it hard to care about their fates as the film progresses. There are moments of genuine tension, but they are often overshadowed by predictable jumps and a meandering plot. It's a film that might entertain die-hard fans of the genre, but for casual viewers, it may not offer enough thrills to warrant a recommendation. In the end, Dawn of the Beast feels like a missed opportunity to truly explore the horrors that lurk in the wild. Show less