Poland makes decent horror films (The Lure, Nobody Sleeps in the Woods Tonight, just to name a few), though they might not always line up with what mainstream horror fans expect. Dead By Dawn by Dawid Torrone, which premiered during Screamfest 2025, might just break through as it’s one hell (!) of a slasher. It features an interesting storyline, skillful direction, and one of the most imaginative concepts for the slasher killer.
Dead by Dawn follows a story about a group of actors, who, invited by the mysterious writer Mr. Heissenhoff, are tasked to adapt his screenplay for the stage. In a manor completely cut off from other people and without a phone signal, the group is on their own. Things quickly turn from normal to a nightmare when the members suddenly start dying, killed off by the masked killer. The fiction and horror blend with what’s real and not, and the remaining survivors need to act fast before they’re all dead… by dawn.
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Dawid Torrone doesn’t have as extensive a filmography as some other horror directors, yet he manages to evoke genuine feelings of dread, horror, and fear in Dead by Dawn. Reminiscent of MaXXXine in certain aspects, this slasher not only explores the corruption of satanism turned violent but also offers a fascinating look into the actors’ world: how they prepare for their roles and interact offstage. At the beginning of Dead by Dawn, we get a glimpse into their dynamics: how they relate to one another, who truly embodies their character, and who’s simply coasting on past success. Among the main cast are Sylwia Boroń as Marta and Paulina Zwierz as Natalia, both delivering haunting, fiery performances. Adam Machalica also stands out as an inspired, ever-vaping artist and director.
One of my personal favorites, though, is Monika Frajczyk’s Olka, the assistant to Piotr Nerlewski’s character (who perfectly embodies the spoiled, self-absorbed actor archetype). Frajczyk’s character is the most level-headed and rational of the group, the one most reluctant to be at Heissenhoff’s mansion, and she seems guided by an uncanny intuition. I’d like to think I’d be her in this scenario, though let’s hope I never have to find out.
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In the end, it’s Bartłomiej Topa who easily steals the show. Recently known from the Polish Netflix Original titled 1670, the actor is terrifying as a masked killer. He’s stealthy when he has to be, exuding extreme cruelty and power wherever he roams, preying on his victims. The image of the killer is one of the best and most innovative things in Dead by Dawn. The last time I’ve felt such unease when looking at the killer’s mask/facade was in Sinister. The mask in Torrone’s slasher is donned with ever-looking eyes all over the head, with spikes on top, and long, dark tresses attached to it. With this design and Topa’s acting, it’s difficult to even imagine someone else playing the killer. Known mostly for comedy and drama, Topa proves he’s ready to explore other venues.
The blend of slasher components and found-footage elements kept me glued to the screen, along with the killer soundtrack. Torrone presents a skilled direction in the film, showcasing that he has true passion for the slasher genre, as he bestows upon us great camera angles that are meant to illustrate fear, creative way of displaying chapters on screen, and solid gore. Kill scenes are very bloody, highly creative, especially the very last one; it will leave in my mind rent free. Though I have to say some sequences felt more like the gore scenes from the 80s slashers, not the ones made today. If it’s a goal, then it’s amazing. If not, the creators may want to work a bit on authenticity.
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Some dialogues feels a bit too forced, but that doesn’t take away from the post-slasher’s commentary on capitalism, occult, satanism, and behind-the-scenes of actor’s life.
Overall, Torrone’s Dead by Dawn exceeded my expectations. It’s engaging from the beginning to the end, all while one tries to guess who’ll the victim be and who is the brutal killer. I really hope that horror fans worldwide will be able to discover this gem as it’s definitely worth checking out.
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