V.C. Andrews’ Dawn – Review

V.C. Andrews’ Dawn – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Sally and Ormand Longchamp pack their family and move for Ormand’s new job at Emerson Peabody School. His children – Jimmy and Dawn – can attend the private school for free, and they have a great music program for Dawn. Also, Sally is expecting and thinks the new place is good for the baby. Dawn puts a smile on her face but grows weary of moving again. 

Dawn and Jimmy attempt to keep a low profile at school, but Dawn catches the eye of Philip Cutler. Dawn dresses for gym class as the teacher enters the locker room and smells smoke. Dawn points out that smoke is coming from a locker, and the teacher finds a burning cigarette. It belongs to Clara Jean. The teacher gives Clara Jean detention, and Clara Jean wages war on Dawn by putting her clothes inside the toilet. An outsider, Louise, befriends Dawn and tells Dawn that Clara Jean is a Cutler. Their family owns the largest hotel and runs the town. Then, Philip asks Dawn to go on a date with Clara Jean watching. Dawn says yes, then no because she needs her parent’s permission. 

Dawn tells Sally about running into the Cutlers, and Sally demands that Dawn stays away. However, Dawn defies Sally and kisses Philip. Later, Dawn gets Clara Jean’s coveted solo and performs for the school. After Dawn’s performance, Jimmy pulls her off stage because Sally is having the baby. Dawn, Jimmy, and Ormand wait in the lobby as Sally gives birth. A security guard thinks he recognizes Ormand, but Ormand says the guard is mistaken. Sally and Ormand take home their baby girl, Fern. 

Days later, Sally is ill after giving birth and not getting better. Dawn begs Sally and Ormand to take Sally to the hospital, but they refuse. However, they both regret it because Sally has consumption. Sally begs Dawn not to perceive them poorly and forgive them. Dawn has no idea what Sally needs forgiveness for but says yes. Sally dies, and Ormand mourns in the hospital with Jimmy and Dawn. Then, the security guard escorts police officers to arrest Ormand. A detective informs Dawn that Ormand is in jail for kidnapping her as an infant. Dawn’s real name is Eugenia Cutler. Her former bother and sister, Jimmy and Fern, will enter foster care, and they will return her to the Cutlers. 

Dawn arrives at the large estate, and Mrs. Boston, the staff manager, directs Dawn to her grandmother’s office. Her grandmother, Lillian, refuses to wake Dawn’s birth parents, Randolf and Laura Jean, to meet Dawn. Lillian addresses Dawn as Eugenia and gives her the rules. Eugenia won’t attend school, and Lillian will demand the school pass Eugenia to the next semester. Eugenia will work at the hotel and reside in modest comfort. They will monitor Eugenia closely because of her poor upbringing. Dawn request that Lillian calls her Dawn, and Lillian refuses. Dawn hopes things will get better, but they will get worse. As Dawn adjusts to her new life, she will encounter emotional abuse, sexual assault, and a horrifying truth. 

Based on Dawn by V.C. Andrews, this movie starts in true Andrews fashion (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). A painful secret rips apart a family while leaving a young girl in its wake. She discovers she’s wealthy, but the new family is evil. A dominating woman controls everyone and wants to bend the family to her will. Randolf tells Dawn that his mother gets her way. He, his wife, and his children fall in line without hesitation. Then, Dawn deals with confusing feelings. Her attraction for Philip ends after finding out they are related. However, she falls for Jimmy because they aren’t kin. The plot is torrid, scandalous, and rage-inducing. And fans will beg for more. As usual, V.C. doesn’t disappoint. So, be ready for part 2. 

I give it 5 out of 5 stars

Hey songbirds, let’s be quiet – Jimmy

You wanna be outcasts together – Louise

It’s nothing for us to be nervous about yet – Ormand

I’m just saying there’s no reason for us to be enemies – Dawn

Honey, that is unforgivable – Clara Jean

Never think badly of us – Sally

You are returning to us at a very inconvenient time – Lillian

Have your feelings changed – Philip

Find, shop for, and watch Lifetime movies on Amazon TV (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)

Top of this Post

The Kept Mistress Killer – Review

The Kept Mistress Killer – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Catherine will interview for a new job with more opportunities and better pay. Catherine meets the receptionist, Pam, before the interview with Paul. Pam eases Catherine’s mind before the interview and walks Catherine into Paul’s office. Paul doesn’t hide his admiration for Catherine and her work ethic. He hires her on the spot, and Catherine calls her mother, Hailey, with the good news. During the call, Catherine hears a woman, Jackie, screaming at Pam. Catherine walks towards Pam’s desk to better understand the events. Jackie turns around to yell at Catherine. Before security escorts her out, Jackie says Catherine took her job. Pam tells Catherine that Jackie is crazy and congratulates Catherine.

Catherine has a successful first day and acquires new clients. Paul gives Catherine a $10,000 welcome gift and a company car. Later, Paul’s soon-to-be ex-wife, Julia, comes to Catherine’s home to warn Catherine that Paul is dangerous. Paul invites Catherine and Hailey to a party at his house, but Hailey decides not to come. Catherine quickly lets Paul know she appreciates his kindness with a kiss. Later, Catherine pulls Pam aside to get more information about Jackie. Pam explains that Jackie became obsessed with Paul, so he fired Jackie. Also, Paul is divorcing Julia because she broke into his home and pulled a gun on him. Paul and Pam encourage Catherine to have one more drink before she leaves.

Catherine wakes in the morning alone in Paul’s spare bedroom with a note by the bed. Catherine walks downstairs, finds a dead body in the foyer, and calls the police. Detective Barr identifies the body as Julia and collects DNA samples from Catherine. Pam and Paul have alibis for the evening, but Catherine doesn’t. Detective Barr lets Catherine leave but tells her to stay in town. Catherine and Hailey are in danger, but can Catherine prove it before Detective Barr puts the handcuffs on her?

This movie has a compelling mystery, but the forced romance is distracting. Catherine kisses her boss after a week or less of knowing him. She doesn’t think twice about starting a relationship, even after meeting a disgruntled worker and a cautious ex-wife. How horrible was Catherine’s previous job? Because the slightest praise leaves her highly suggestible. However, viewers can push the whirlwind romance aside because the plot has several shifty characters. Pam, Paul, and Jackie work an angle for power, money, and murder. However, viewers will receive a disappointing ending because it’s rushed. You get 1 hour and 58-minute plot for a 2-minute conclusion. Give this movie your undivided attention from the beginning but don’t expect much from the ending.

I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars

It’s easy to be decent and sometimes you have to be tough – Catherine

One question: Are you good in a fight – Jackie

You just continue to impress – Paul

Find, shop for, and watch Lifetime movies on Amazon TV (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)

Top of this Post