V.C. Andrews' Dawn Explained

V.C. Andrews' Dawn
Director:Linda-Lisa Hayter
Editing:Devin Taylor
Distributor:Lifetime
Country:United States
Language:English

V.C. Andrews' Dawn is an American limited television thriller drama series based on the novel with the same name by V. C. Andrews and directed by Linda-Lisa Hayter. It stars Brec Bassinger as Dawn Longchamp and Donna Mills as her wicked grandmother Lillian Cutler. The series includes four movies: Dawn, Secrets of the Morning, Twilight's Child, and Midnight Whispers.[1] It premiered on Lifetime on July 8, 2023, and aired through July 29.[2] [3]

Cast

Dawn

Secrets of the Morning

Twilight's Child

Midnight Whispers

Also starring Helena Marie as Sally Longchamp, Tanja Dixon-Warren as Mrs. Boston, Madeleine Kelders as Mrs. Bradley, and Cheryl Swan as Mrs. Dalton

Production

On September 15, 2022, it was reported that Lifetime and A+E would produce V.C. Andrews's Dawn film series for airing in 2023.[4] [5] It produced by VC Secrets Productions with Merideth Finn and Michele Weiss who also executive produced Lifetime movies Flowers in the Attic and Petals on the Wind.[6] The leading roles were cast with Brec Bassinger as Dawn and Donna Mills as her wicked grandmother Lillian Cutler. Fran Drescher, Joey McIntyre, Jesse Metcalfe, Khobe Clarke, Jason Cermak, Miranda Frigon, Elyse Maloway, Dane Schioler, Corey Woods and Helena Marie round out cast.[7]

Reception

The first film received average reviews from critics, who noted Mills and Bassinger's performances. Joel Keller from Decider wrote in his review: "While it’s tempting to give V.C. Andrews’ Dawn a recommendation just on the strength of the performances of Mills and Bassinger, the rest of the first episode is cheaply made with an underbaked story and clunky dialogue."[8] Jasmine Blu from the TV Fanatic give it the positive review praising performances: "Bassinger had a daunting task ahead of her playing off against the iconic Donna Mills, but damn if she didn't hold her own!"[9]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Donna Mills got rare opportunity with ‘Dawn’. July 5, 2023.
  2. Web site: 'V.C. Andrews' Dawn': Premiere Date, Cast, and More for Lifetime Limited Series. Megan. Elliott. June 25, 2023.
  3. Web site: Dawn: Lifetime Schedules Latest V.C. Andrews Limited Series, and the Cast is Perfection. May 18, 2023. TV Fanatic.
  4. Web site: Karen. Butler. Donna Mills, Fran Drescher to star in Lifetime's next V.C. Andrews project . United Press International. September 16, 2022.
  5. Web site: Lifetime Announces V.C. Andrews Dawn Cutler Series Starring Brec Bassinger, Donna Mills & More!. Carissa. Pavlica. September 15, 2022. TV Fanatic.
  6. Web site: Brec Bassinger & Donna Mills To Lead Cast Of Lifetime's 'V.C. Andrews Dawn Cutler Series'. Denise. Petski. Deadline Hollywood. September 15, 2022.
  7. Web site: Amanda. Taylor. Joey McIntyre, Donna Mills and Fran Drescher to Star in Lifetime's Latest V.C. Andrews Tale: Dawn. People. September 15, 2022.
  8. Web site: 'V.C. Andrews' Dawn' Lifetime Review: Stream It Or Skip It?.
  9. Web site: V.C. Andrews' Dawn Review: Cutthroat Cutlers, Granny Dearest & Sexy Bro Woes. July 8, 2023. TV Fanatic.