Silver Falls State Park, Oregon, is the magnificent location where "Just Before Dawn" was filmed. Waterfalls, rock formations, and a lush green forest were used to great advantage. The photography is absolutely stunning for this type of low budget, backwoods, slasher, and adds immeasurably. Acting is totally acceptable, and while the two inbred "knuckle draggers" never speak, there is a menacing tone that permeates the movie. Do not mistakenly believe that this is just another attempt to tag an inferior film onto a single name actor like George Kennedy. This is extremely well made and highly recommended. I'll even go so far as to say, one of the best of it's type, and proves that you don't need buckets of blood to make a great horror film. - MERK
115 Reviews
A nightmarish hell pre dawn
videorama-759-85939121 February 2015
JBD has something that a lot of other horror films lack. I knew that the first time I saw it. It stands above many others. It's funny to think this when it's scenario here is nothing knew. The film even has better actors for this type of flick, none better than Gregg Henry, and it's great to see him play a good guy. The actress playing his girlfriend, looks like a female version of him. Are they related? Again, despite the warning of an old buzzard (horror icon, George Kennedy, who else) not to venture into these dangerous woods, of course they pay no heed. Henry and co proceed in their R.V. into this elevated terrain, below quite a drop, (kind of has you thinking of RV with Robin Williams). The killer family (cliched) are of course deformed, some of them giants, very much Wrong Turnish 1. As they trek out into the mountains, the movie takes it time to pick off it's victims (I like movies that work this way) they are picked off gradually. JBD, an unhurried frightener flick, maintains much suspense, throughout, which it never loses, some of it truly claustrophobic. This horror is one of those few, I've actually found truly and effectively scary. Some moments, truly jangle the senses. Violence is restrained here too. Although JBD with a lot of instances and happenings which are cliché'd, what it has great suspense, which a lot of other films lack this much in volume, it's story structured with a master disciplined touch. It has a less is more thing going for it. The unrelated ten minute opening too is one of grand suspense, in a movie that pushes all the right buttons. There is a warning, on the cover that the last ten minutes of the movie may be intense or disturbing. What an over exaggeration, you'll see what I'm talking about, when you see that image.
Dark and gritty backwoods slasher madness
warsystem0427 December 2012
Warning: Spoilers
"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.
One of the better killer-in-the-woods flicks of the '80s
BillyBC4 March 2003
Warning: Spoilers
(***1/2 out of *****) So, maybe this is a derivative cross between "Deliverance" and "The Hills Have Eyes" (which, itself, borrowed heavily from "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre") -- I still enjoyed it as much as "Hills." Ignoring the cryptic warnings of forest ranger George Kennedy (who talks to his plants), a group of kids go up into the mountains to look at a piece of land one of them owns and to camp and do some mountain-climbing (this was filmed on location at Silver Falls State Park in Oregon, so the cinematography is refreshingly beautiful and authentic.) Alas, no sooner does the gang set up the tents and get settled than a big, inbred mountain man with a raspy laugh and a rusty machete starts a backwoods game of search and destroy. There are some irritating character inconsistencies and minor plot holes, but not as much as you usually find in these movies. Lieberman (also director of the infamous earthworms-run-amok film "Squirm") creates genuine feelings of fear and helplessness, and there are a number of creepy and suspenseful scenes (one involving a couple skinnydipping and another involving a kid not wearing his glasses). Another effective jolt is provided when we find out how the killer is able to cover so much ground in such a short amount of time. There are also some gruesome (but not excessive) gore scenes thrown into the mix (a machete through a crotch, a fist shoved down a throat) for those with discriminating tastes. Deborah Benson plays the heroine with an instinctive nack for tonsillectomies, and Gregg Henry (from Brian De Palma's "Body Double") plays the tough-acting, but ultimately wimpy, boyfriend. Also stars Chris Lemmon and Mike Kellin.
HIGHLIGHT: Pretty skinnydipper Megan (Jamie Rose) thinks that's her boyfriend down there, groping her bare back and legs beneath the dark water... until she spots him climbing up onto the bank fifty yards away!
HIGHLIGHT: Pretty skinnydipper Megan (Jamie Rose) thinks that's her boyfriend down there, groping her bare back and legs beneath the dark water... until she spots him climbing up onto the bank fifty yards away!
One of the Better Backwoods Slashers
FilmFatale29 October 2012
Warning: Spoilers
On the surface, Just Before Dawn sounds just like dozens of other killer hillbilly slasher films. Whitebread Warren buys some property in the gorgeous Oregon mountains and takes his girlfriend Cowering Connie, prankster friend Jokey Jonathan and his girlfriend Makeup-obsessed Megan, and Jonathan's brother Danny (aka 5th Wheel) to visit the new digs. They're warned away from the area by a ranger, a prior survivor, AND a creepy mountain family but you know how it is...and they've got a deed! Anyway, things go wrong our cast members meet the wrong end of some sharp things. Typical 80s slasher, but Jeff Lieberman really manages to make it something special. The woods are both beautiful and ominous, the main characters actually seem like they'd be friends in real life, there's decent gore,a fun twist, and a nice example of a character finding some inner strength. Sure, I would have liked a higher body count but that's really my only quibble. Give this one a chance and you might like it.
Deliverance Meets Friday The 13th
veritybingo13 May 2021
22 years or so before the original Wrong Turn film was this rather well acted yarn of campers being stalked by inbred killer hillbillies.
A 'cut' above other similar films of the time, thanks to the casting of able players giving it a more believable atmosphere which helps to make it much more gripping than it could have been. This film features possibly the niftiest resolution to a 'slasher' film in cinema history.
A 'cut' above other similar films of the time, thanks to the casting of able players giving it a more believable atmosphere which helps to make it much more gripping than it could have been. This film features possibly the niftiest resolution to a 'slasher' film in cinema history.
A neatly made little chiller.
alexanderdavies-9938222 December 2017
Warning: Spoilers
"Just Before Dawn" isn't exactly ground-breaking in its plot but the film does manage to sustain some suspense as well as a steady pace. A very good performance from talented character actor, George Kennedy is a plus. He should have been in the film much more as he is the only person who makes an effort. Even so, he certainly makes the most of his screen time.
A group of young campers are on holiday amongst mother nature in the grassy hills but are warned by Kennedy to stay away from the area. Naturally, the characters don't listen and pretty soon tragedy occurs.
The violence is pretty grim most of the time and leaves little to the imagination. The setting is ideal as you are rooting for the campers to survive the mad killer who is on the loose and that there is no one nearby who can help.
A minor classic that deserves repeated viewing.
Calling it "Average" is about the best I can do
bensonmum214 March 2006
For whatever reason, I tend to be drawn to these backwoods, hillbilly horror films like a moth to a flame. I can't get enough of them. In this particular sub-genre, I would call Just Before Dawn average. It's not the best I've seen, but it's far from being as bad as something like Midnight (1982). In general, I think these films appeal to me because of their realism. Monsters, ghosts, and other supernatural elements are fine, but even the most basic and mundane of these films ask the viewer to stretch their imagination to some degree. In contrast, we've all heard stories about the crazy inbred mountain people and their distrust of modern society. And while films like Just Before Dawn may take liberties with the extreme violence, there's no denying the real stories of actual murders as a result of this culture clash.
In Just Before Dawn, a group of twenty-somethings makes there way to a remote mountain for a little fun and relaxation. They are warned twice, once by the Forest Ranger and again by a crazed man in the woods, to turn back. Ignoring the warnings, they set up camp and prepare to enjoy themselves. But these woods are home to more than the normal forest creatures. There's a killer on the loose and the group of young adults soon become the target. Sound familiar? This plot description could be applied to about a dozen films I can think of off the top of my head. It's that original.
I look at Just Before Dawn as a case of missed opportunities. There were places the movie could have gone to break away from the standard 80s backwoods, hillbilly horror mold and done something unique. For example, more information on the mountain family and what makes them tick would have been very interesting. Or, more explanation on the killers and how they lived and their motives would have been very interesting. Or, including the subplot involving mountain religions (as suggested in the interview on the DVD) would have been very interesting. But as it is, every opportunity to do something other than have a group of young people stalked through the woods by an unseen, silent assassin is missed.
To be fair, I'll give the movie some credit in a couple of instances. First, I thought it was a nice touch to keep the characters "real". What I mean is that too often in these movies, characters are little more than overdone stereotypes. The characters in Just Before Dawn aren't much different from people I've known. Second, there are a couple of very well done camera shots. For example, the scene of the killer walking through the waterfall in the background as two characters swim in the lake is very subtle and very effective. Third, a couple of the kill scenes rise above what I associate with low-budget 80s horror. The killing of the hunter at the beginning of the movie is very nice.
In the end, it's a shame that the makers of Just Before Dawn didn't take more chances. Had they been willing to push the envelope a bit more, this movie might have been one of the better examples of this sub-genre instead of being merely average.
In Just Before Dawn, a group of twenty-somethings makes there way to a remote mountain for a little fun and relaxation. They are warned twice, once by the Forest Ranger and again by a crazed man in the woods, to turn back. Ignoring the warnings, they set up camp and prepare to enjoy themselves. But these woods are home to more than the normal forest creatures. There's a killer on the loose and the group of young adults soon become the target. Sound familiar? This plot description could be applied to about a dozen films I can think of off the top of my head. It's that original.
I look at Just Before Dawn as a case of missed opportunities. There were places the movie could have gone to break away from the standard 80s backwoods, hillbilly horror mold and done something unique. For example, more information on the mountain family and what makes them tick would have been very interesting. Or, more explanation on the killers and how they lived and their motives would have been very interesting. Or, including the subplot involving mountain religions (as suggested in the interview on the DVD) would have been very interesting. But as it is, every opportunity to do something other than have a group of young people stalked through the woods by an unseen, silent assassin is missed.
To be fair, I'll give the movie some credit in a couple of instances. First, I thought it was a nice touch to keep the characters "real". What I mean is that too often in these movies, characters are little more than overdone stereotypes. The characters in Just Before Dawn aren't much different from people I've known. Second, there are a couple of very well done camera shots. For example, the scene of the killer walking through the waterfall in the background as two characters swim in the lake is very subtle and very effective. Third, a couple of the kill scenes rise above what I associate with low-budget 80s horror. The killing of the hunter at the beginning of the movie is very nice.
In the end, it's a shame that the makers of Just Before Dawn didn't take more chances. Had they been willing to push the envelope a bit more, this movie might have been one of the better examples of this sub-genre instead of being merely average.
One of my favorite slasher films
marcusclarson17 August 2018
Let's get the bad out of the way first. There is very little gore and a small body count. It also took a little while for people to die. But once it's 30 minutes in, there's already quite a little bit of suspense. The acting was quite good, in fact surprisingly good, and the setting was just stunning. The cinematography and soundtrack definitely help with the terrifying mood. The eerie whistle motif heard throughout was simple and scary. Plus, the opening death was one of the best slasher deaths out there. Overall, it's a scary, well made slasher flick that definitely deserves more attention.
You might not be up before dawn.
lost-in-limbo24 January 2009
The mountainous woods, young happy campers, a warning by a park ranger and a lurking figure. The ingredients are there for a horror delight, and director/co-writer Jeff Lieberman does an adequate job at achieving it. It's formulaic woodland horror, but for most part the execution is at the top the game and the story (which is quite basic in a trimmed sense) is effectively told in certain realism. Maybe a little more exposition wouldn't have gone astray, but Lieberman's craftsmanship makes up for the material's flaws and typical details with rising tension, moody visuals and a smothering atmosphere created by Brad Fiedel's very ominously lingering score. Whenever that very creepy whistling was cued in, it painted a truly unnerving sense that settled in with the beautiful backdrop. Cinematographers Dean M. and Joel King do a striking job too. There's plenty of style abound, even with its minimal scope and the build-up is slow grinding. At times the pacing can become a stop-and-go affair. It's not particularly violent, but there's still a mean-streak evident even if some of it happens of screen. The latter chase scenes and escalating fear is well done, as it has the darkness coming alive with itS burly killer/s and you get actor George Kennedy riding his white horse in a slight, but wonderful turn. There's a likable bunch of performances; Deborah Benson makes for a strong, dashing heroine. Gregg Henry, Chris Lemmon Ralph Seymour, Jamie Rose, Mike Kellin and Katie Powell round off a modest cast of believable deliveries. The final climax is rather twisted, but the ending is one of those types that leave you thinking
"Is that it?"
A well-etched backwoods slasher item, which probably plays it a little too safe to truly set it apart from the norm.
A well-etched backwoods slasher item, which probably plays it a little too safe to truly set it apart from the norm.
Tonsil Slasher
funkyballs25 March 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Just Before Dawn is an early eighties slasher flick containing some seriously dubious acting and scripting. The actors react to the hideous events throughout the film in a way which indicates they have all had some form of tranquiliser.
This film makes Scooby Doo look like a psychological thriller.
(Small spoiler coming up) Look out for the strange plot climax which involves tonsils, campfires & fists - it will remind you of tame eighties porn.
I watched the last 25 minutes on x2 fast forward and then realised I could have watched the whole film at that rate and gained a similar amount of entertainment - very little.
This film makes Scooby Doo look like a psychological thriller.
(Small spoiler coming up) Look out for the strange plot climax which involves tonsils, campfires & fists - it will remind you of tame eighties porn.
I watched the last 25 minutes on x2 fast forward and then realised I could have watched the whole film at that rate and gained a similar amount of entertainment - very little.
Big surprise
christopher-underwood9 July 2019
This starts very well, giving us a good idea or the horrors to come and even though the film seems to settle into what seems to be becoming the usual tale of five naive kids going into the hills to get picked off one by one, things turn out a bit more creepy. Extremely well shot with constantly wonderful views of the Oregon woods, waters and mountains this begins, quite early on, to look a bit more like Deliverance than the average slasher. I can understand why fans consider the film gets better on subsequent viewings because after the first watch you will be aware that you do not have to worry that this is going to go down that well trodden path. Much here to give concern, not jump shocks but eerie visions and suggestions of evil goings on. At the same time the nerdy kids seem to change, become more attractive and less annoying as we move inexorably towards what turns out to be a great ending up a tree and then an even greater one back on the forest floor. Lovely waterfalls and an amazing rope bridge along the way, I haven't even mentioned the siren like young girl or her big twin brothers, or the man who talks to his horse. Big surprise.
Dawn of the 80's Slashers
JasonXIX2 December 2018
As a jaded fan of 80's horror, I'm shocked that this movie actually lived up to the hype. Most "hidden gems" leave me disappointed when finally seen, but this one actually delivered. The movie is relatively light on gore, but the stalking and killing scenes are surprisingly suspenseful because you actually care about most of these characters. The acting is probably the best your going to get from any slasher movie, and cliched/obnoxious character traits are mostly avoided. The directing and cinematography are also above the standard slasher, and make great use of the forest location and lighting.
I see many of the negative reviews of this movie are based on an old dvd viewing. The fact that I watched a new uncut blu-ray version in 2018, might give me a different perspective.
I see many of the negative reviews of this movie are based on an old dvd viewing. The fact that I watched a new uncut blu-ray version in 2018, might give me a different perspective.
Just Mediocre.
horns-112 February 2004
Let me first say that I really like director Jeff Lieberman, but Just Before Dawn is an average horror film. I've wanted to see this film for a while now. Amongst horror movie collectors it seems to have a good buzz. I read on the message board here that someone heard it might get a DVD release as a double-disk special along with the recent Wrong Turn. Now that'd be a good combination -- both films have the same thematic subject matter. Just Before Dawn, considering made when it was, is quite underived and fresh. The only complaint are the dark scenes, granted these take place in the forest at night. The suspense, the chilling timberland setting, the killing and acting are all adequate, but not as good as the hype. Sleepaway Camp movie fans will like seeing actor Mike Kellin, who played camp owner Mel in the first one, appearing in this horror flick. I did.
Frightening and bizarrely compelling
ehoshaw27 August 2000
Very scary backwoods slasher is much better than others, such as "The Prey" and some of the later "Friday the 13th" sequels. The story has to do with five teenager campers running afoul of a pair of psychotic, machete-wielding hillbilly twins. One by one they are dispatched by the murderous giants (who giggle as they slaughter their prey). This has some great photography of the Oregon wilderness, a creepy musical score, and some of the best shocks ever put into a horror/slasher film. I really enjoy the scene where Daniel and Megan are menaced by one of the killers. A classic that deserves a video re-release. I actually stumbled across this one for four bucks at a resale shop in Northern Michigan.
High Grade Thriller, Funky Ending(No Spoilers so relax)
lesunra3 August 2005
I was lucky enough to see the "Horror Classics" DVD version of this film before it was mysteriously removed from the 4 film DVD and replaced with something else. The picture and sound quality of the film on that edition was a nightmare in itself. Yet, that version is STILL superior to the one with the deluxe DVD treatment. The reason was stated in Brad Fiedel's interview segments on the Special Edition DVD. He had noted what I first found so striking about this film. This being the use of music at moments of inactivity in the film, but leaving the moments of activity in silence, thus giving the horror scenes a stronger feel. The problem with this reissue is it carries the extra film score used to fill in these intentional gaps in score. Fiedel complained of this and made it clear that the filler music was not his. The music actually sounded a lot like Howard Shore's work for Videodrome. Sad for me that I am also a major fan of that film and have to associate the two.
The film itself managed to add some interesting realistic elements to the genre horror film. A group of friends go up on a mountain one of them inherited. On the mountain they are confronted with a family with a nightmarish secret. The movie moves along at a great pace. In fact every time I have seen it, I still find myself shocked to see 45 minutes had passed before things started really going wrong for the campers.
While the Horror Classics version is filled with many gaps, the fact that there is no score accompanying the horror scenes is what makes this film intelligent and even superior to most slasher films I have ever seen. The Director Jeff Lieberman had made some unique horror films previous to this one making this one the most mainstream and yet, very different to the mainstream at the same time. It is a good fun film with surprising acting performances to boot. The new spiffed up DVD version is worth a rent, the now collectors item Horror Classics version, now OOP is worth the hunt.
The film itself managed to add some interesting realistic elements to the genre horror film. A group of friends go up on a mountain one of them inherited. On the mountain they are confronted with a family with a nightmarish secret. The movie moves along at a great pace. In fact every time I have seen it, I still find myself shocked to see 45 minutes had passed before things started really going wrong for the campers.
While the Horror Classics version is filled with many gaps, the fact that there is no score accompanying the horror scenes is what makes this film intelligent and even superior to most slasher films I have ever seen. The Director Jeff Lieberman had made some unique horror films previous to this one making this one the most mainstream and yet, very different to the mainstream at the same time. It is a good fun film with surprising acting performances to boot. The new spiffed up DVD version is worth a rent, the now collectors item Horror Classics version, now OOP is worth the hunt.
They Don't Make 'Em Like This Anymore
boris_unanimate6 October 2019
From the very beginning, dread fills every second of the runtime, and follows viewers as well as the characters through a thick forest, where maniacal evil dwells.
This movie isn't as bloody or gory or even as explicit as most slashers, but the genuine dread I've felt throughout the entire runtime is worth the lack of excessive blood and guts. Good acting and directing. Decent sound design. Great story.
Nowadays horror movies either rely on absurd amounts of blood and gore, or an overabundance of loud noises and cheap jumpscares. Return to a simpler time, when movies made you dread going camping alone into the woods. Grade A entertainment.
This movie isn't as bloody or gory or even as explicit as most slashers, but the genuine dread I've felt throughout the entire runtime is worth the lack of excessive blood and guts. Good acting and directing. Decent sound design. Great story.
Nowadays horror movies either rely on absurd amounts of blood and gore, or an overabundance of loud noises and cheap jumpscares. Return to a simpler time, when movies made you dread going camping alone into the woods. Grade A entertainment.
Well made atmospheric slasher
DiscoStu22211 January 2021
Having viewed no end of slasher movies (more disappointments than triumphs) I have to say that this is a very well made movie. I can imagine that the lack of gore or nudity might let some people down but for me it works well just as it is. Avoiding spoliers it is a typical 'teens ignoring the warnings of locals and heading into the wilderness for a few days of camping and frolicking'.
This is a well shot, well constructed film with good pace. Unlike many films similar in vein the teen characters are actually quite likeable and not your typical obnoxious types. It has a good score and good use of the eerie sounds of a remote forest. The performances in general are strong aside from 1 or 2 characters. It manages to build tension without resorting to jump scares every other scene and you do feel the jeopardy of the teens.
I do feel it is an underated film, perhaps with more blood and guts it might be held in higher esteem in the horror community.
This is a well shot, well constructed film with good pace. Unlike many films similar in vein the teen characters are actually quite likeable and not your typical obnoxious types. It has a good score and good use of the eerie sounds of a remote forest. The performances in general are strong aside from 1 or 2 characters. It manages to build tension without resorting to jump scares every other scene and you do feel the jeopardy of the teens.
I do feel it is an underated film, perhaps with more blood and guts it might be held in higher esteem in the horror community.
Creepy, but just not engaging enough.
TOMASBBloodhound12 August 2007
Warning: Spoilers
All the ingredients seemed to be there. A lush, but desolate setting. Creepy inbreds. Unsuspecting young people from the city... but somehow it just doesn't mesh well together. Just Before Dawn is a well-known horror film from the early 1980s that has only recently been released on DVD. Disaster movie veteran George Kennedy and Jack Lemmon's son Chris are about the only recognizable faces here. The film-making is fairly sound from a technical perspective, but the script is too full of clichés and dead spots to translate into a great film.
We begin by watching a deer hunter get a long serrated machete stabbed into his groin and then out through his rear end by a huge, ugly maniac in an abandoned church. His hunting companion madly takes off through the forest and stumbles into a group of five young people from the city. He tries to warn them about what happened, but he is apparently either too drunk or scared to accurately spell things out. A forest ranger (Kennedy) also tries to warn the kids, but of course they don't listen. If they did, we wouldn't have our movie now, would we? Anyway, once the kids set up camp, creepy things begin to happen to them. Obviously, we are led to believe that the guy who murdered the hunter is the one tormenting the kids. A huge revelation comes about midway through about him, but anyone paying attention early on should see it coming pretty easily. Once the killer's secret is revealed the film gets kind of anti-climatic and the ending, despite a wonderfully disgusting killing, is kind of a letdown.
Just Before Dawn has nice camera work, wonderful scenery, and spooky sound effects. The film moves along rather slowly, however, and none of the young victims are that memorable. Lemmon gets some good lines, though. There is a dopey and clichéd subplot about in-breeding that isn't really necessary. Wouldn't the film have been just as scary if not even more so had we known absolutely nothing about the killer(s)? The film is worth taking a look at once. Don't expect too much gore, though. This kind of plot concept has been used numerous times before and since. And often times it has been done better.
5 of 10 stars is about as good as the Hound can give it.
We begin by watching a deer hunter get a long serrated machete stabbed into his groin and then out through his rear end by a huge, ugly maniac in an abandoned church. His hunting companion madly takes off through the forest and stumbles into a group of five young people from the city. He tries to warn them about what happened, but he is apparently either too drunk or scared to accurately spell things out. A forest ranger (Kennedy) also tries to warn the kids, but of course they don't listen. If they did, we wouldn't have our movie now, would we? Anyway, once the kids set up camp, creepy things begin to happen to them. Obviously, we are led to believe that the guy who murdered the hunter is the one tormenting the kids. A huge revelation comes about midway through about him, but anyone paying attention early on should see it coming pretty easily. Once the killer's secret is revealed the film gets kind of anti-climatic and the ending, despite a wonderfully disgusting killing, is kind of a letdown.
Just Before Dawn has nice camera work, wonderful scenery, and spooky sound effects. The film moves along rather slowly, however, and none of the young victims are that memorable. Lemmon gets some good lines, though. There is a dopey and clichéd subplot about in-breeding that isn't really necessary. Wouldn't the film have been just as scary if not even more so had we known absolutely nothing about the killer(s)? The film is worth taking a look at once. Don't expect too much gore, though. This kind of plot concept has been used numerous times before and since. And often times it has been done better.
5 of 10 stars is about as good as the Hound can give it.
My favourite Jeff Lieberman film.
Hey_Sweden23 February 2013
Liebermans' entry in the original slasher craze is definitely more well made and intelligent than some. In fact, in making it he wasn't so much inspired by "Friday the 13th" as he was "Deliverance". He and his crew make this a powerfully atmospheric outing, utilizing the real Oregon woods to great effect, and turn it into a fun survival-of-the-fittest yarn, even developing the two main characters in interesting ways.
Five young adults venture into the Oregonian mountains to do some camping and check out the local land that one of them has supposedly inherited. Before long they begin to be victimized by a stealthy, heavyset psychopath.
Slasher movie fanatics who watch this sort of thing for gore and/or nudity will be quite disappointed with Liebermans' film, as it's clear he has a different agenda going on. That's not to say, of course, that the women aren't attractive, or that there isn't some effective nastiness to be enjoyed. But what the director really wants to convey is the need to have a respect for nature - because it CAN kick your ass if you're not prepared. He begins with an intense opening set piece and generates some truly unnerving suspense; this is the kind of film that can have a viewer literally on the edge of their seat. It's also stylishly done; take note of one scene transition in particular. Brad Fiedel, who a few years later gained his fame with his theme for "The Terminator", supplies a music score that is chilling in its subtlety. (The whistling is a really nice touch.)
The better than usual cast features some very familiar actors: Gregg Henry, Ralph Seymour, Jamie Rose, Mike Kellin, Chris Lemmon (Jacks' son), and George Kennedy as the veteran forest ranger who's aware that the area is fraught with danger. The gorgeous Deborah Benson, who really should have been able to enjoy a much more visible career, is a standout as the female lead who starts out as a rather tentative character, starts to cut loose, and ultimately finds her inner strength. John Hunsaker is extremely creepy as the killer.
There's one well executed plot twist along the way, and at the end an innovative and memorable way of dispatching our villain. The pacing is deliberate, the camera-work and cinematography excellent, and the scenery beautiful, in what has to be one of the more unheralded horror films of its time. It comes highly recommended.
Eight out of 10.
Five young adults venture into the Oregonian mountains to do some camping and check out the local land that one of them has supposedly inherited. Before long they begin to be victimized by a stealthy, heavyset psychopath.
Slasher movie fanatics who watch this sort of thing for gore and/or nudity will be quite disappointed with Liebermans' film, as it's clear he has a different agenda going on. That's not to say, of course, that the women aren't attractive, or that there isn't some effective nastiness to be enjoyed. But what the director really wants to convey is the need to have a respect for nature - because it CAN kick your ass if you're not prepared. He begins with an intense opening set piece and generates some truly unnerving suspense; this is the kind of film that can have a viewer literally on the edge of their seat. It's also stylishly done; take note of one scene transition in particular. Brad Fiedel, who a few years later gained his fame with his theme for "The Terminator", supplies a music score that is chilling in its subtlety. (The whistling is a really nice touch.)
The better than usual cast features some very familiar actors: Gregg Henry, Ralph Seymour, Jamie Rose, Mike Kellin, Chris Lemmon (Jacks' son), and George Kennedy as the veteran forest ranger who's aware that the area is fraught with danger. The gorgeous Deborah Benson, who really should have been able to enjoy a much more visible career, is a standout as the female lead who starts out as a rather tentative character, starts to cut loose, and ultimately finds her inner strength. John Hunsaker is extremely creepy as the killer.
There's one well executed plot twist along the way, and at the end an innovative and memorable way of dispatching our villain. The pacing is deliberate, the camera-work and cinematography excellent, and the scenery beautiful, in what has to be one of the more unheralded horror films of its time. It comes highly recommended.
Eight out of 10.
"a unique and disturbing touch of the genre"
jaredkeoppeleducate10 August 2021
Just before dawn is one of the most disturbing horror movies from the 80s. It marks one of the most eerie settings of any horror thriller i can think of. And the concept is very interesting. First off if you've never seen Texas chainsaw massacre then you probably haven't seen just before dawn. The same feeling you get from Texas Chainsaw massacre you get from this movie. Its slow at the start but well paced to keep you gripped to the edge of your seat. This movie can fool you on how deceiving the beautiful nature can be.
A Unfortunate Misfire for Talented Director Lieberman
rwint19 August 2001
For years I've felt that Jeff Lieberman is one of the best unknown horror directors around. His first two films SQUIRM and BLUE SUNSHINE scored in all area including: originality, suspense, and genuine scares. Unfortunately this attempt, which is a strange mixture of DELIVERANCE and BLAIR WITCH PROJECT, just doesn't work. Concerns a bunch of very typical young people, who look just ripe for scaring, going into the woods and then become terrorized by some mutant twins. Of course it takes about 50 minutes of warnings, false alarms, and teasers before the action really gets going. Then when it does it just isn't very scary. The mutants look more like a couple of fat slobs (or even ESPN's Chris Berman with a puffy forehead) then anything frightening or monstrous. The mountain family that the kids come upon are so stereotyped that they almost seem silly. A very unfortunate and forgettable misfire.
Slick backwoods horror, much sharper than your typical slasher!
Nightman8517 February 2008
1981's Just Before Dawn is one of the best tales of wilderness horror out there. It's one of the finest-made slashers of the 80's and it easily blows movies like The Final Terror, Don't Go in the Woods, or The Prey out of the water.
A group of young adults come to check out the mountain property that one of the group has just bought. However they are not alone in the wild. A hulking in-bred murderer, who seems to be in two places at once, is lurking and apparently hates trespassers.
Director Lieberman, who gave us such great B films as Squirm (1976) and Blue Sunshine (1977), does an excellent job with this smart thriller as well. The movie is nicely atmospheric, with a creeping sense of tension and some strong suspense. This film makes even the open wilderness seem frighteningly claustrophobic. The Oregon locations are beautiful and well captured by the crafty cinematography. The music score is a true original and awesome in contrast with the scenic visuals.
Deborah Benson makes for a great lead, her presence was captivating. Gregg Henry delivers a good performance as Benson's lover and Chris Lemon provides some occasional charisma. The supporting cast, especially veteran actor Kennedy, also does quite well.
A true gem of the slasher genre, that needs no gore to thrill. Definitely well worth seeking out for slasher fans and horror buffs alike. See it!
*** 1/2 out of ****
A group of young adults come to check out the mountain property that one of the group has just bought. However they are not alone in the wild. A hulking in-bred murderer, who seems to be in two places at once, is lurking and apparently hates trespassers.
Director Lieberman, who gave us such great B films as Squirm (1976) and Blue Sunshine (1977), does an excellent job with this smart thriller as well. The movie is nicely atmospheric, with a creeping sense of tension and some strong suspense. This film makes even the open wilderness seem frighteningly claustrophobic. The Oregon locations are beautiful and well captured by the crafty cinematography. The music score is a true original and awesome in contrast with the scenic visuals.
Deborah Benson makes for a great lead, her presence was captivating. Gregg Henry delivers a good performance as Benson's lover and Chris Lemon provides some occasional charisma. The supporting cast, especially veteran actor Kennedy, also does quite well.
A true gem of the slasher genre, that needs no gore to thrill. Definitely well worth seeking out for slasher fans and horror buffs alike. See it!
*** 1/2 out of ****
An early slasher for the picking. Woodsy/Campy...
earthpersonified31 October 2021
But not with teenagers. These five people heading up a mountain in Oregon are 20's/30's ish. This movie never tries to do too much, and with that you have a solid horror movie with plenty to enjoy.
There is little violence and gore although enough to keep most happy. The kills were simple and yet brutal. There was a true joy to the kill for the killer. That can be unsettling. With all asides this movie was worth the time. It's basic and simple and well done. The acting was better than average and the scenery was amazing. The ending was initially quite good and then ended up being pretty bad. It is the difference between a 6.5 or 7. Six isn't too bad though. Enjoy! :)
There is little violence and gore although enough to keep most happy. The kills were simple and yet brutal. There was a true joy to the kill for the killer. That can be unsettling. With all asides this movie was worth the time. It's basic and simple and well done. The acting was better than average and the scenery was amazing. The ending was initially quite good and then ended up being pretty bad. It is the difference between a 6.5 or 7. Six isn't too bad though. Enjoy! :)
Bitterly disappointing slasher film, Lieberman's worst!
Logan-2229 September 2001
I had always wanted to see this film since the late 80s when I stumbled across the trailer on Paragon's GATES OF HELL tape. It looked like a surprisingly gory and effective slasher flick... unfortunately, the truly *gruesome* scene where a hunter is stabbed through the groin (with the serrated knife blade coming out of his rear) is the ONLY gore scene in the entire film! The rest of it is completely unoriginal and painfully boring nonsense, which is a shame, because director Jeff Lieberman is capable of so much more. His other terror films, SQUIRM and BLUE SUNSHINE, both stand out as clever, scary fun.
I am confused how the film was rated R with that one truly nauseating knifing left intact... it makes me wonder if other similar gore scenes were removed, or whether they were simply never shot...
Brad Fiedel's "back to nature" score is more irritating than evocative, and displays none of the energy of his later work in THE TERMINATOR.
In short, if you've seen the trailer to JUST BEFORE DAWN, you've seen all you ever need to.
I am confused how the film was rated R with that one truly nauseating knifing left intact... it makes me wonder if other similar gore scenes were removed, or whether they were simply never shot...
Brad Fiedel's "back to nature" score is more irritating than evocative, and displays none of the energy of his later work in THE TERMINATOR.
In short, if you've seen the trailer to JUST BEFORE DAWN, you've seen all you ever need to.
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