Dawn
2014 · Switzerland, United Kingdom, Germany · 95 min
- Director
- Romed Wyder
- Screenplay
- William Mackinnon
- Producer
- Samir
- Editing
- Kathrin Plüss
Cast
What it is about
In 1947, during the British Mandate in Palestine, a Jewish underground cell takes a British officer hostage in an effort to halt the execution of one of its members. As they wait for news, the pressure mounts inside their hideout, and Elisha is pushed toward carrying out the threatened reprisal. Most of the action takes place within a single enclosed space, framing the story as a moral dilemma rather than an adventure.
How it was made
Directed by Romed Wyder and written by William Mackinnon, the film is based on Elie Wiesel's novel of the same name. Wyder had been drawn to the material for some time; after his 2004 film Absolut he wanted to keep exploring resistance, along with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the events of 1947 and 1948, which he felt were little known. Joel Basman was cast as Elisha because Wyder wanted a young Swiss actor who spoke Hebrew. The cast also features Jason Isaacs as the British officer and Sarah Adler as Ilana. Kathrin Plüss edited the film, which keeps its focus tight and its tone restrained.
Reception and legacy
Critics in Switzerland gave it mixed notes. Filmdienst described it as a psychological chamber drama adapted from Wiesel's novel. SRF praised its blend of historical realism and moral debate but found the ending too simple, while commending the acting and direction. Swissinfo highlighted the tension created by the confined setting and read it as a universal moral drama. The film premiered in January 2014 and later played festivals including Solothurn in 2014, and several Jewish and other US festivals in 2015.
Stills
Original Cinematopedia text based on Wikipedia (en) and Wikidata.