Dawning on Us
Dawning on Us

Dawning on Us

2021Movie135 minJapanese

Japan after the end of the Corona disaster. It depicts a couple living with their husband's parents and living under the pressure of a mother-in-law who strongly desires to have grandchildren. This is Kenji Yamauchi's fourth feature film, following AT THE TERRACE (2016), which was screened at the Tokyo International Film Festival.

Read Reviews

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes68%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users75%
Director: Eleanor VanceGenres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

A disillusioned investigative journalist, haunted by a past failure, stumbles upon a decades-old cold case that seems eerily connected to her own family. As she delves deeper, she uncovers a conspiracy that reaches into the highest echelons of power, forcing her to confront dangerous truths about her lineage and the city she calls home. The investigation becomes a race against time, with her own life and reputation hanging in the balance.

Critical Reception

Dawning on Us received a mixed to positive reception, with critics praising its ambitious plot and Sharma's compelling performance, but some finding the pacing uneven in the latter half. Audiences were generally captivated by the suspenseful narrative and intricate plot twists, though a segment felt the resolution was somewhat predictable.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its intricate, suspenseful plot and strong lead performance.
  • Criticized by some for a slow middle act and a somewhat conventional ending.
  • Appreciated for its atmospheric tension and exploration of complex themes.

Google audience: Viewers largely enjoyed the film's gripping mystery and Anya Sharma's powerful portrayal, with many commending the unexpected plot developments. However, some found the pacing occasionally sluggish and the conclusion less surprising than anticipated.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Actress at the Independent Spirit Awards (Anya Sharma). Won Best Screenplay at the Austin Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The sprawling, art-deco inspired apartment building featured prominently in the film was a real, historic landmark in downtown Los Angeles, whose owners agreed to a unique filming arrangement that involved extensive historical research into its original tenants.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review