"Just Before Dawn" truly captures the feeling of the Oregon woods, that is, if it were inhabited by a family of inbred maniacs. Having been there myself a couple times, the movie magnificently showcases the beautiful scenery of the area, as well as being an awesome slasher.
Five teens go exploring on new land that one of them acquired, much to the dissuasion of multiple people. Through many tense sequences, they are stalked by a pair of twin inbred giants, as well as trying to navigate and survive the dense foliage and natural pitfalls of the land. The twins remind one of Michael Myers, unrelenting, brutal monsters with an urge to kill. In one memorable scene, not even a tree can stop them, which after being climbed by one girl, a twin proceeds to methodically cut it down, just to reach his victim.
The atmosphere is outstanding, with the low lighting of the overall film making it even more gritty and dense. Something about being lost in the woods is just extremely frightening in and of itself to imagine. There are some very interesting and unique nuances that take place, such as the five campers interacting with the local family multiple times, and the ranger being around throughout. The last twenty minutes or so are probably the best, as the film just builds and builds. It also includes one of the best "final girl" scenes ever committed to film.
"Just Before Dawn" is an outstanding example of what atmosphere and simplicity can do to power a movie. Location can create fear and horror just as much as the "demons" that hide within it.
Five teens go exploring on new land that one of them acquired, much to the dissuasion of multiple people. Through many tense sequences, they are stalked by a pair of twin inbred giants, as well as trying to navigate and survive the dense foliage and natural pitfalls of the land. The twins remind one of Michael Myers, unrelenting, brutal monsters with an urge to kill. In one memorable scene, not even a tree can stop them, which after being climbed by one girl, a twin proceeds to methodically cut it down, just to reach his victim.
The atmosphere is outstanding, with the low lighting of the overall film making it even more gritty and dense. Something about being lost in the woods is just extremely frightening in and of itself to imagine. There are some very interesting and unique nuances that take place, such as the five campers interacting with the local family multiple times, and the ranger being around throughout. The last twenty minutes or so are probably the best, as the film just builds and builds. It also includes one of the best "final girl" scenes ever committed to film.
"Just Before Dawn" is an outstanding example of what atmosphere and simplicity can do to power a movie. Location can create fear and horror just as much as the "demons" that hide within it.