Finally Dawn is a captivating work of art, creating a lush and emotive period setting. The film revolves around a profoundly transformative experience for a young Roman girl, Mimosa (Rebecca Antonaci), who finds herself thrust into a world she didn’t ask to be a part of. With several guides taking her on this unexpected journey, the narrative evolves and shifts in beautiful and unexpected ways. Mimosa loves movies — from the world these stories build to the actors who bring them to life. However, while Mimosa’s sister is scouted to audition to be an extra in a film, it is Mimosa who finds herself immersed in this new world. Over one day, Mimosa’s life is forever changed as she peeks behind the curtain and rubs shoulders with the stars.
Rebecca Antonaci Is A Revelation In Finally Dawn

Rebecca Antonaci stands out in Finally Dawn for her impeccable performance and the depth of emotion she explores, but also because she is positioned among several more recognizable actors, including Lily James, Joe Keery, and Willem Dafoe.

The writing effectively builds this narrative of a young girl being thrust into a world that is not her own, and pushing hard to escape, but eventually growing and changing within it.

Antonaci could have easily felt like a fish out of water, but her innocence and naïveté are intended to be part of the story. It makes the character’s growth throughout the film extraordinary. Antonaci is captivating. She makes the film what it is, with the rest of the cast and their characters elevating Mimosa out of obscurity. The writing effectively builds the narrative of Mimosa being thrust into a world she works hard to escape — at least initially. She eventually changes within it. There are several moments that feel uncomfortable, but it effectively evokes emotion and propels the story forward.
Finally Dawn Delivers Artistry Without Pretension

Arthouse films tread a fine line when it comes to storytelling. The symbolism and transitions can be convoluted, and the dialogue can be hollow. But sometimes, a great artistic movie incorporates all of these elements in a way that feels sincere and earnest. Finally Dawn does exactly that.

Finally Dawn brings together a wonderful cast, a compelling story, and stunning artistry to create something magical.

There is plenty of symbolism, and a story that leans heavily into the idea of showing rather than telling, but it is so effective and humble in this approach that it works perfectly, without distracting from the piece. It’s emotional, it goes to dark places, it highlights cruelty and perversion, as well as beauty and grace. Ultimately, the film is an extraordinary piece that achieves everything it sets out to do and more. Finally Dawn brings together a wonderful cast, a compelling story, and stunning artistry to create something magical. It’s deeply moving, profoundly human, and enchantingly beautiful. It also manages to avoid any sense of pretension, while delivering a complex and deeply symbolic story which is astonishing in and of itself. Finally Dawn provokes emotion, and it breaks down barriers of communication for the medium in a way that feels entirely natural, and beautifully simple. Finally Dawn will have a limited theater release starting on July 18, along with a digital release the same day.

Finally Dawn

9/10

Release Date

February 14, 2024

Runtime

119 minutes

Director

Saverio Costanzo

Writers

Saverio Costanzo

Producers

Mario Gianani

Lily James

Josephine Esperanto

Pros & Cons

Rebecca Antonaci absolutely stuns with her performance
The film is emotional and progresses nicely
The supporting cast is excellent
It’s a great artistic movie