Written by Sara Carabini
Now that the First World War has passed beyond the memory of the living, many of us perceive it merely as a series of cliches: the images of trenches, mud, comradeship, Anzac Day, and a growing awareness of the futility and horror of war are familiar, but what lies beyond these well-known aspects remains largely unknown. Drawing from authentic accounts of WWI soldiers, the Australian film Before Dawn aims to bridge this gap, albeit with a somewhat generalized approach.
In 1916, Jim Collins (portrayed by Levi Miller) finds himself struggling on the family sheep station. While his friends are preparing to enlist, Jim hesitates – torn between his responsibilities at home and the crucial role of farming in the war effort. Ultimately, the bond of comradeship and the desire to break free from his overbearing father lead him to make the decision to join the fight. After all, enlisting with one's friends always seems like the right choice, doesn't it?
Before long, Jim finds himself entrenched in the mud of the Somme, gradually losing the desire to be a hero (or simply to continue volunteering for missions into no man's land) as it is worn away. At this point in the war, the focus shifts from large-scale offensives to small raids aimed at eliminating machine gun nests. However, even the act of surviving in a trench poses its own set of risks. Snipers, artillery fire, and monotony all pose constant threats; with two more years to endure (the movie depicts his unit's journey up to Armistice Day), there is plenty that can (and will) go awry.
When it comes to war films, trench warfare provides an ideal setting that doesn't require a Hollywood budget. Despite some noticeable flaws (such as the obviously Australian trees in the background), it manages to establish a convincingly gritty atmosphere. However, the shallow trenches may not offer adequate protection from snipers for everyone's head, but since the heroes are shown deepening them at times, we can consider these trenches a work in progress and focus on the story.
Going deeply into war
It is unjust to nitpick this film, as it is not striving for total historical precision. The characters are depicted to highlight their resemblances to young men from a later era rather than focusing on their disparities, aiming to immerse the audience in their experiences (such as questioning if people in 1918 actually said 'tough shit, mate?').
Jim and his friends are deliberately portrayed in a generic manner, with Sergeant Beaufort (played by Myles Pollard) being the only one who appears to be a potential ancestor of Bryan Brown. The primary focus here is on the war itself.
The film's lack of a clear plot and its simple filming style come as no shock, as the main emphasis is on the daily struggle for survival on a small scale. From stealing gloves for warmth to searching for food and filling sandbags, these activities are integral to trench warfare, just like embarking on night missions and assisting injured comrades to a first aid station.
The film reaches its peak when we witness Jim and his unit charging over the top and into the German trenches for a conventional battle, which proves to be a notably violent and bloody encounter. Before Dawn manages to find a suitable middle ground in depicting the brutality of war: it includes an adequate amount of rats and corpses to maintain realism, without going overboard to the extent that it would be unsuitable for viewing by a high-school class.
The outcome portrays the horrors of war without exaggerating them. It doesn't focus on how war transforms individuals into monsters or heroes, although Jim's sharpshooting skills become relevant towards the conclusion. Rather, it highlights the traumatic experience endured by many Australians during the war, which significantly influenced a generation and the national identity. More stories like this one would be beneficial.