“Break of Dawn” Fails to Deliver on Its Promises

Break of Dawn” arrives with high expectations, promising a modern twist on the familiar theme of money rituals.

The film features an impressive cast, including Kanayo O. Kanayo—the veteran of sacrifice-themed films—alongside notable actors like Jidekene Achufusi and Mike Ezuruonye. Unfortunately, it fails to deliver on its ambitious promises, reinforcing skepticism about reviving the overused “Nnayi sacrifice” trope.

While the premise holds potential, the execution leaves much to be desired. The story follows Jade (Debby Felix), the daughter of a wealthy man who resorts to drugging and robbing rich men under the guise of prostitution. Though this setup hints at an intriguing twist, the narrative quickly loses momentum as Jade finds herself entangled with Osas (Stan Nze), a member of a money ritual syndicate. Initially unaware of each other’s true motives, their relationship escalates into a tense game where both must avoid becoming the next victim. Flashbacks provide some character context, but the film’s strong setup unravels due to a rushed and poorly executed third act.

Fans of Kanayo O. Kanayo may be eager to see him in his role as “The Chief Priest of the Sacred Order,” alongside the legendary Segun Arinze. Unfortunately, both characters receive a mere 15 minutes of screen time, leaving viewers disappointed. Despite its nostalgic appeal, the film fails to deliver the substance one would expect, and even Mike Ezuruonye’s presence isn’t enough to salvage the plot.

In addition to plot inconsistencies—such as why Jade would choose a life of prostitution given her privileged background—the film suffers from unnecessary comic relief that detracts from its core themes. While it attempts to explore moral dilemmas, these weighty topics remain underdeveloped and lack impact.

On a positive note, the visuals are commendable. Much of the film takes place at night, and the cinematography captures a dark, moody atmosphere effectively. A standout rain sequence showcases impressive lighting and choreography, highlighting the film’s potential if the storytelling had matched the technical quality.

Ultimately, it feels as though crucial scenes were cut, leaving the final product feeling incomplete.

The theatrical cut could easily be condensed into a short skit without losing emotional depth. Director Umanu Elijah and the writing team had the tools to make “Break of Dawn” engaging, but they ultimately fell short.

“Break of Dawn” may not be worth your time or money, viewers might find greater enjoyment in watching the news or browsing social media instead. The only thing you might miss is the taste of popcorn at the cinema.

Release Date: August 23, 2024

Runtime: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Streaming service: None. Cinematic Release

Directed by: Umanu Elijah

Cast: Stan Nze, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Debby Felix, Efe Irele, Jidekene Achufusi, Mike Ezuruonye, Segun Arinze, Craze Clown, Ominhi Aho, Emeka Golden, Moet Abebe and Chioma Agwunobi.