“Well, I need to remind you of a little movie called Deliverance.”
Scott-Wrong Turn (2003)
Just Before Dawn is an underrated entry in the backwoods horror genre that carves out a moody, almost hypnotic experience. It brings viewers into a world of shadowy forests and mounting dread. Set in the heart of Oregon’s dense wilderness, the film uses its natural location to full effect, creating a sense of breathtaking and unnerving isolation. Director Jeff Lieberman paints the woods with an eerie tranquility that feels like a character all its own, and it’s the setting that gives the film much of its haunting appeal.
The story follows a group of campers who venture deep into the woods, unaware of the danger awaiting them. While it starts as a straightforward slasher setup, Just Before Dawn veers into darker, more psychological territory as the characters are drawn into the forest’s oppressive atmosphere. Deborah Benson, in particular, stands out in her role. Benson brings a subtle strength to her character, slowly revealing a depth and resilience that makes her a captivating final girl. Her performance adds an emotional center to the film, grounding the horror with an understated but powerful evolution that feels genuine.
Just Before Dawn is often cited as both a product of and an influence on the backwoods horror genre. It draws from classics like Deliverance while prefiguring later films like Wrong Turn and The Blair Witch Project. The film’s atmosphere-heavy approach, emphasizing isolation and the eeriness of untouched wilderness, echoes the psychological dread seen in Deliverance, blending survival horror with slasher elements in a timeless way.
The film isn’t without its flaws. The pacing is uneven. Just Before Dawn moves methodically, which may test the patience of some viewers, moments that should build tension instead feel prolonged, and by the time the action picks up, the slow burn may have overstayed its welcome. Some of the film’s logic also feels flimsy, with characters making questionable choices that strain believability. And for a slasher, the kills themselves are surprisingly tame—more subtle than shocking, which might leave hardcore horror fans wanting more.
Just Before Dawn is a unique slasher that trades typical gore for atmosphere. Deborah Benson’s performance and the breathtaking forest setting add depth to the horror. It’s a slower, more atmospheric ride, and while it’s not the most blood-pumping slasher out there, its chilling mood and psychological edge make it worth the watch for those who enjoy horror that lingers in the shadows. That ending kill is one of the most unique kills I’ve ever seen.
Rating: 6/10
