New Movies: Finally Dawn (Finalmente l'alba) (2023) by Saverio Costanzo: A Hypnotic Night of Self-Discovery in Golden Age Rome
- dailyentertainment95
- Jul 18
- 9 min read
Core Summary: An Innocent Abroad in Cinecittà's Glamour
Finally Dawn (Finalmente l'alba) (2023), directed by acclaimed Italian filmmaker Saverio Costanzo ("My Brilliant Friend"), is a period drama set in 1950s Rome, drawing inspiration from a real-life tragic event. The film follows Mimosa (Rebecca Antonaci), a shy and naive young woman on the verge of engagement, who accompanies her sister to Cinecittà Studios for an audition as an extra. Unexpectedly thrust into the vibrant, glamorous, and often decadent world of Hollywood stars filming in Rome, Mimosa finds herself embarking on an "almost infinite night" alongside a captivating American starlet, Josephine Esperanto (Lily James), her cynical co-star Sean (Joe Keery), their director (Willem Dafoe), and a frustrated actor. Over the course of this transformative night, Mimosa grapples with the allure and disillusionment of fame, confronts her own innocence, and embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery, gradually shedding her naivety amidst the excesses of the Dolce Vita era.
Summary Short: Roman Extra's Wild Night of Awakening
Saverio Costanzo's Finally Dawn is a 1950s Roman drama where a naive young woman, Mimosa, on her first audition at Cinecittà, is swept into a long, transformative night with glamorous Hollywood stars. Amidst their decadent world, she experiences a profound journey of self-discovery, confronting innocence and the allure of fame, ultimately defining herself by morning.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21824548/
About movie: http://www.samuelgoldwynfilms.com/finally-dawn/
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/finalmente-lalba (US), https://www.justwatch.com/it/film/finalmente-lalba (Italy)
Detailed Summary: An Odyssey Through the Golden Age of Cinema
The film is set in Rome during the 1950s, a period often referred to as the Dolce Vita era, when Hollywood stars frequently filmed lavish productions at Cinecittà Studios.
Mimosa (Rebecca Antonaci) is a quiet, unassuming Roman girl, on the cusp of an engagement. She accompanies her sister to an audition at Cinecittà, hoping to be an extra in a sword-and-sandal epic.
She finds herself unexpectedly drawn into the orbit of a group of American movie stars, including the magnetic and enigmatic Josephine Esperanto (Lily James), her co-star Sean (Joe Keery), and their film's director (Willem Dafoe).
What begins as a simple audition extends into an "almost infinite night," an odyssey through lavish parties, private gatherings, and the behind-the-scenes world of filmmaking. This night serves as a crucible for Mimosa's coming-of-age.
Mimosa, a blank canvas of innocence, observes the glamour, loneliness, and artifice of the celebrity world. She witnesses the excesses, the emotional emptiness, and the constant performance that defines their lives.
Josephine Esperanto, in particular, becomes a captivating figure for Mimosa. Lily James portrays Josephine as a woman who has lost her sense of self amidst fame, living entirely as a persona. Her relationship with Mimosa is complex, sometimes cruel, sometimes maternal, as she projects her own desires and regrets onto the younger woman.
The film subtly references the real-life murder of Wilma Montesi in 1953, a shocking case where an aspiring actress's death was linked to high society and cinema, serving as a dark inspiration and a symbolic undertone for Mimosa's journey through a potentially dangerous, yet transformative, night.
Mimosa's interactions with the various characters – including a frustrated actor, an art expert, and the capricious stars – allow her to see different facets of herself reflected through their projections and perceptions.
Visually, the film aims for a lush, dreamlike quality, evoking the atmosphere of classic Italian cinema.
The narrative is a journey of self-discovery for Mimosa, as she sheds her naivety and begins to understand herself and the world beyond her sheltered upbringing. By the time dawn finally breaks, she is a changed person.
The film runs approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes (140 minutes) in its full cut, offering an expansive and atmospheric experience.
Plot Summary: From Naivety to Self-Realization in One Night
Mimosa, a naive young Roman woman, attends an extra's audition at Cinecittà Studios in 1950s Rome.
She is unexpectedly drawn into an all-night odyssey with glamorous Hollywood stars, led by the enigmatic Josephine Esperanto.
Throughout this "infinite night," Mimosa witnesses the excesses, loneliness, and performative nature of celebrity life.
Her interactions with Josephine, a jaded star, and other characters, challenge her innocence and expose her to a world beyond her sheltered existence.
The film subtly references the real-life Wilma Montesi murder case, adding a layer of underlying darkness to the glamour.
Mimosa undergoes a profound journey of self-discovery, shedding her naivety and gaining a clearer understanding of herself by the time dawn breaks.
The narrative explores themes of identity, fame, disillusionment, and personal awakening.
Director's Vision: Nostalgia, Innocence Lost, and the Dignity of a Life
Inspired by a Real Tragedy: Saverio Costanzo's primary inspiration was the unsolved murder of Wilma Montesi in Rome in 1953, which he views as a watershed moment when Italian society lost its innocence. He aimed to "remember Wilma Montesi in a dignified fashion" by focusing on the "day before her death," but chose to create a fictional character, Mimosa, who follows a similar path but finds a different, more hopeful ending.
Critique of Society's Indifference: Costanzo used the Montesi case to comment on contemporary society's "morbid curiosity" for scandal and its indifference to victims, hoping to counter this by giving Mimosa a voice and a journey of self-discovery.
A "Fairy Tale" of Empowerment: Despite the dark undertones, Costanzo envisioned the film as a "rich, shape-shifting fairy tale," an "odyssey of empowerment" for a vulnerable girl who uses her perceived weakness as a "magic shield" to navigate dangers.
Homage to Italian Cinema (and Beyond): While set during Cinecittà's heyday, Costanzo emphasizes that it's "not a nostalgic movie" but rather a reflection on what Italian cinema is today, drawing inspiration from numerous films and directors, particularly Giulietta Masina's "sophisticated, zany, unpredictable" femininity for Mimosa's character, more so than Fellini's La Dolce Vita.
Exploring Authenticity Amidst Artifice: A key part of his vision was to explore characters who "work hard to present themselves as what they are" because they are constantly asked to be someone else, and how Mimosa, as a "blank canvas," allows them to see their true selves.
Embracing Unconventional Femininity: He explicitly stated a desire to present an "unpredictable, unconventional femininity" through Mimosa, a refreshing contrast to what he perceives as monotonous female characters in modern media.
Themes: Innocence and Experience, Fame and Illusion, Identity, and Societal Gaze
Innocence and Experience: Mimosa's journey from sheltered naivety to a more worldly understanding forms the central arc, exploring the painful but necessary process of losing innocence to gain self-knowledge.
Fame and Illusion: The film delves into the superficiality and loneliness behind the glamour of Hollywood stardom, examining how public personas can eclipse true identity.
Identity and Self-Discovery: Mimosa's night-long odyssey forces her to confront who she is outside of societal expectations and family roles, ultimately finding her own sense of self.
The Male Gaze and Female Agency: Inspired by the Wilma Montesi case, the film implicitly comments on the objectification of women and how their stories can be lost or sensationalized by a dominant male-centric narrative, while simultaneously giving Mimosa agency in her own journey.
Artifice vs. Authenticity: The setting of Cinecittà and the world of acting serve as a backdrop to explore the tension between constructed realities and genuine human experience.
The Dolce Vita Era and Its Underbelly: While portraying the allure of 1950s Rome, the film also hints at the darker, more exploitative aspects beneath the glittering surface.
Key Success Factors: Acclaimed Director, Star-Studded Cast, and Festival Premiere
Saverio Costanzo's Proven Talent: As the director of the highly regarded HBO series "My Brilliant Friend" and other acclaimed films, Costanzo brought significant artistic credibility to the project.
All-Star Ensemble Cast: The film boasts an impressive international cast, including Lily James, Joe Keery, Rachel Sennott, and Willem Dafoe, which generated significant buzz.
Prestigious Festival Premiere: Its world premiere in competition at the 80th Venice International Film Festival immediately elevated its profile and signaled its artistic ambition.
Intriguing Premise: The blend of historical setting, an innocent protagonist, and the glamorous yet dark world of 1950s Hollywood in Rome offered a compelling narrative hook.
Rich Visuals and Atmosphere: The film aimed to evoke the visual splendor of classic Italian cinema, creating a captivating aesthetic.
Timeless Themes: The exploration of innocence, self-discovery, and the illusion of fame resonates across generations.
Awards and Nominations: Venice Competition and Italian Accolades
Finally Dawn had its world premiere in competition at the 80th Venice International Film Festival in September 2023, vying for the prestigious Golden Lion award. While it did not win at Venice, it garnered several nominations and wins from Italian film bodies, including:
Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists: 3 Wins & 4 Nominations.
Golden Globes, Italy: 1 Win & 1 Nomination.
These awards highlight its critical recognition within Italy.
Critics Reception: Mixed to Positive, Praised for Ambition, Debated on Pacing
Critical reception for Finally Dawn has been mixed to positive. On Metacritic, it holds a "Mixed or Average" score based on 7 critic reviews.
Positive aspects highlighted:
Artistic Ambition: Praised for its rich, shape-shifting narrative and its attempt to create a "fairy tale" odyssey (Screen Daily, The Guardian).
Visuals and Atmosphere: Commended for its texture, wit, and well-executed set pieces (The Hollywood Reporter), and its evocation of 1950s Cinecittà.
Themes: Reviewers noted its exploration of empowerment for a vulnerable girl and its potential as a commentary on contemporary indifference (Screen Daily).
Rebecca Antonaci's Performance: Her portrayal of Mimosa was seen as strong, anchoring the film.
Criticisms:
Pacing and Length: Many found the film "indulgingly long" at 2 hours and 20 minutes (The Hollywood Reporter, Entertainment Weekly, The Playlist), with some calling it "unbearable length" and "dullness" (CineChat, The Playlist).
Narrative Coherence: Some critics felt the ideas did not always "coalesce into something that makes sense" and found it "impenetrable with no intellect" (IndieWire).
Lead Character: One critique suggested Mimosa might not be "leading lady material," making the long runtime problematic (Variety).
Lack of Originality: Some felt the film lacked "a single original thought" (CineChat) despite its cast and premise.
Overall Summary of Critics Reception: Finally Dawn is an ambitious film that divided critics. While many admired its scope, visual style, and the central performance of Rebecca Antonaci, its considerable length and meandering narrative were common points of contention, leading to a mixed critical consensus.
Reviews: A Beautiful but Long and Uneven Journey
Reviews from audiences and critics often describe Finally Dawn as a visually beautiful and artistically ambitious film, though one that suffers from uneven pacing and an indulgent runtime. Viewers appreciate the immersive recreation of 1950s Rome and Cinecittà, along with the strong performances from the international cast, particularly Rebecca Antonaci as the innocent Mimosa and Lily James as the jaded starlet. However, many find the film's 140-minute length excessive for its narrative, leading to stretches that feel slow or redundant. While some find its contemplative approach profound, others feel it lacks the narrative propulsion to sustain its runtime. The film's unique premise and underlying themes are generally praised, even if the execution doesn't consistently land for all viewers.
Production Companies: Italian-British Co-Production
Wildside (Italy)
Rai Cinema (Italy)
Fremantle (Italy/UK - as part of Wildside's parent company)
Sales Companies: Major International Sales Agent
FilmNation Entertainment (USA) is handling the international sales for Finally Dawn, distributing it to various global markets.
Distribution Companies: Italian and U.S. Specific
01 Distribution (Italy) handled the theatrical release in Italy.
Samuel Goldwyn Films (USA) is distributing the film in the United States, including its theatrical and digital release.
ReleaseDate on Streaming: Available on VOD/Digital Platforms (USA)
Finally Dawn became available for purchase and rental on all major digital platforms (including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu) in the USA starting July 18, 2025.
Theatrical Release: Venice Premiere and Italian/U.S. Releases
World Premiere (in competition): September 2023, at the 80th Venice International Film Festival.
Italian Theatrical Release: February 15, 2024.
U.S. Theatrical Release (Limited): July 18, 2025 (coinciding with digital release).
Other International Releases: Various dates throughout 2024 and 2025.
Why to Watch This Movie: A Glamorous Yet Profound Journey
For fans of historical dramas set in iconic eras: The film's recreation of 1950s Rome and Cinecittà offers a lush and atmospheric experience.
If you appreciate films about self-discovery and coming-of-age: Mimosa's journey from innocence to self-awareness is the heart of the story.
To see a star-studded international cast: Featuring Lily James, Joe Keery, Rachel Sennott, Willem Dafoe, and a breakout performance from Rebecca Antonaci.
If you enjoy contemplative cinema: While long, the film's deliberate pace allows for deep immersion into its themes and characters.
For a unique perspective on fame and its illusions: The movie provides a critical look at the loneliness and artifice behind celebrity glamour.
Movie Trend: Post- Dolce Vita Reassessment & Female Coming-of-Age in Period Settings
Finally Dawn fits into the trend of Post- Dolce Vita Reassessment in Italian cinema, often looking back at the iconic 1950s and 60s with a more nuanced, sometimes critical, lens. It also aligns with the broader trend of Female Coming-of-Age stories set in period contexts, where young women navigate societal expectations and personal awakenings in historically specific environments. This genre often uses the period setting to highlight enduring themes of identity, freedom, and the challenges faced by women. The film's use of a real-life tragic event as inspiration also places it within the trend of historical dramas that re-examine past societal issues through a contemporary lens.
Social Trend: Unpacking Celebrity Culture and its Impact
The film is highly relevant to the ongoing social trend of Unpacking Celebrity Culture and its Impact. In an era dominated by social media and constant exposure, there's a growing fascination with, and critical examination of, the realities of fame, the mental health struggles of public figures, and the blurring of public persona versus private identity. By showing the loneliness and performative nature behind Josephine Esperanto's glamour, and how Mimosa's innocence confronts this, Finally Dawn offers a poignant, historically-rooted commentary on the enduring allure and potential pitfalls of celebrity, resonating with contemporary discussions about fame's true cost.
Final Verdict: An Ambitious, Visually Rich, and Thought-Provoking Odyssey
Finally Dawn is an ambitious and visually captivating film that offers a compelling journey of self-discovery set against the glittering, yet often hollow, backdrop of 1950s Roman celebrity. While its extended runtime and contemplative pace may test the patience of some viewers, Saverio Costanzo's direction, coupled with strong performances (especially from Rebecca Antonaci and Lily James), creates an immersive and thought-provoking experience. It's a film that bravely explores the loss of innocence, the illusions of fame, and the enduring search for identity, making it a significant contribution to contemporary Italian cinema and a worthwhile watch for those who appreciate atmospheric and character-driven dramas.
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