V.C. Andrews’ Dawn (2023) - Film Review

Lifetime is back again with another V.C. Andrews adaptation. In 2023, the twisted Cutler family came to life, starring an impressive ensemble cast. The four-part series is dedicated to the Cutler series penned by VCA ghostwriter Andrew Neiderman, embracing all the tropes gothic horror fans love.

The first movie centres on the titular character, who, after learning the shocking truth about the people who raised her, Dawn goes to stay with her real family — a family with dark and twisted secrets. As she struggles to fit in, her cruel grandmother starts to rule her life with an iron fist.

This was a pretty strong start to a new series. The VC Andrews rags to riches is a familiar character arc explored in these books and films and Dawn has a solid foundation. This series, the first written entirely by Andrew Neiderman, covers nearly 80 years of the history of the Cutler family in the five-part series. The Dawn series covers the first four books and Andrew Neiderman confirmed earlier this year that the fifth novel (which centres on Lillian, Dawn's grandmother) has been commissioned at Lifetime. Whether this will be a feature-length movie or a limited series similar to Flowers in the Attic: The Origin, only time will tell.

Gregory Small and Richard Blaney reprise their screenwriting roles along with Linda-Lisa Hayter back in the director's seat. After almost a decade of movies and tv shows, it is nice to see a consistent team forming to continue bringing the VC Andrews legacy to the screen. I thought some scenes that were conveyed through dialogue would have been much more effective if we saw it. However, these are to be expected when condensing a novel into a screenplay.

Brec Bassinger (DC’s Stargirl) takes on the titular role and does a superb job of portraying a grounded character in such a dramatic setting. She humanises Dawn effortlessly and brings a sincere likeable to this VC Andrews heroine. The chemistry between Bassinger, Jesse Metcalfe, Helena Marie and Khobe Clarke immediately endeared the viewers before tragedy after tragedy struck.

Since it made its debut in Seeds of Yesterday and for many of the V.C. Andrews movies, Cecil Green Park House in Vancouver has been the prime choice for the forboding houses our heriones end up staying in with their wealthy and estranged relatives. While I didn't think this location worked in the Casteel series, I thought its location was perfect for the setting of Cutler Cove.

Donna Mills was an absolute genius casting choice to play Lillian, fully embracing the complex and sinister grandmother role. Her acting style reminded me of Ellen Burstyn's portrayal of Olivia in the first V.C. Andrews movie on Lifetime. However, the calm and quiet threatening demeanour is far more effective and keeps the audience on the edge of their seat when the abuse escalates. Mills humanises the character and grounds Lillian's cruel nature with a sense of realism.

As always, there is a toxic, abusive or creepy dynamic found in the sibling relationships. The first Cutler movie weaves all three aspects in Dawn's adoptive and biological siblings. Khobe Clarke and Bassinger's deviate from the V.C. Andrews trope originated by Cathy and Christopher. Despite not being related, Dawn and Jimmy battle with their feelings as they were raised together. They instead choose to focus on building a friendship and address any feelings once they've gotten their head around the revelations. The nice chemistry was heightened by their respective character arcs.

In reverse, we see Dane Schioler's Philip Cutler pursue a non-consensual relationship with Dawn, even after learning of the true nature of their relationship. Dawn's agency is made abundantly clear, even when Philip's delusional behaviour takes a sinister turn. She is also subjected to emotional abuse by her scheming new sister, portrayed by Elyse Maloway, picking up the mantel made for her by previous characters such as Vera, Fanny and Giselle.

You may notice I've not mentioned much of Dawn's biological parents. Well, they have little to no impact on the plot or character arcs. To uphold the Cutler reputation, they essentially leave their spoiled children and prodigal daughter to the whims of Lillian. Jason Cermak (who previously starred in the Casteel series) plays the fragile Randolph, and Miranda Frigon takes on the role of Laura's oblivious cat obsessive nature. Both are good in their roles, but I must assume that they have bigger roles in future films.

I enjoyed this film and thought the cast and crew established a good and concise coming-of-age arc. Dawn goes on a steady hero's journey and plays an active role in the events that unfold. The social class conflicts, lies, and secrets unravel, and Dawn uses this to gain the upper hand, bargaining with her grandmother to study music in New York. I am looking forward to reviewing the following films.

My rating of V.C. Andrews' Dawn (2023) - ★★★.