This is one of the most accurate films about drug addiction I have seen dealing with not only one, but both people, in a relationship who are addicted to heroin.. The glossy mumsy feel soon fades away revealing the harrowing life of drug addicts in the middle class suburbia of America.. The acting is first class and the film hooks you in like its subject matter. An enthralling an realistic account of middle class, middle age domestic drug abuse.. Where concealment, deceit and theft gradually take over the lives of the main characters.. until the inevitable reconcilliation with life. I may never have a spliff again ! A real gem !!!
6 Reviews
Surprisingly Multi-Dimensional and non-cliched
zensixties7 July 2002
Darkness before Dawn is a TV movie starring Meredith Baxter and Steve Lang as married junkies trying to get clean. With that said this film isn't as predictable as you'd think. Baxter's emotional turmoil is high intensity and the story is realistic (considering it was based on a true story). It could be called Days of Horse and Roses and worth seeing more than the cliched Traffic subplot with the junkie daughter. Most harsh is when they have a baby born addicted to heroin. Superior to the pretentiously hip Permanent Midnight, but if you want hip and avant-guarde check out Morrissey's Trash.
Fantastic film helps keep on the straight and narrow
kjones2057 December 2004
This is probably my favorite TV movie of all time. Not only does it star my best guy Stephen Lang, but it deals with a subject close to my heart. I was addicted to painkillers (not heroine, thank god) and, although I've been clean for years, watching a movie such as this once in a while, which reminds us of the horrors of drug addiction and withdrawal, keeps me on the right path. Besides that, this movie is well-made, interesting and not your typical "junkie" movie. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in seeing the darker side of what starts out as "fun". Anyone know if this movie can be purchased? I'd like to have a copy other than the one I taped myself. thanks. Kristi
One of my old favorites!
bronzesrv5 November 2018
I remember watching this movie as a teenager and again as an adult! I love this movie, you saw the laughter, love, pain, destruction, and last but not least healing. A must-see for every family! Stephen Lang and Meredith Baxter were excellent!
Addictive Relationship...
azathothpwiggins27 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Mary Ann (Meredith Baxter) works at a methadone clinic, where she meets and eventually marries a recovering addict named Guy (Stephen Lang).
While Guy seems sincere in his efforts to stop using heroin, it's just not that simple. He soon runs into an "old friend", and it's not long before thousands of dollars disappear from Mary Ann's life savings. Other problems crop up when Guy steals from his job.
Meanwhile, we discover that Mary Ann has a few dark secrets of her own. At a party, she joins Guy in his addiction and the two spiral into a drug-fueled hell.
DARKNESS BEFORE DAWN is a fairly raw depiction of the horrors of drug dependency. Ms. Baxter is fantastic in her self-destructive role. Made-for-TV movies such as this are difficult to pull off without coming across as preachy or unintentionally humorous. There's none of that here.
Highly recommended...
While Guy seems sincere in his efforts to stop using heroin, it's just not that simple. He soon runs into an "old friend", and it's not long before thousands of dollars disappear from Mary Ann's life savings. Other problems crop up when Guy steals from his job.
Meanwhile, we discover that Mary Ann has a few dark secrets of her own. At a party, she joins Guy in his addiction and the two spiral into a drug-fueled hell.
DARKNESS BEFORE DAWN is a fairly raw depiction of the horrors of drug dependency. Ms. Baxter is fantastic in her self-destructive role. Made-for-TV movies such as this are difficult to pull off without coming across as preachy or unintentionally humorous. There's none of that here.
Highly recommended...
Searching for a Clean Slate
lavatch7 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
"Darkness Before Dawn" was produced in 1993, yet it still seems extremely timely and relevant. The film packs a dramatic punch about drug and alcohol addiction, and it showcases excellent performances.
Guy Grant first met Mary Ann when he was in the throes of heroin addiction. The couple start a relationship and eventually marry with the common ground of their respective addictions. Mary Ann is a nurse who steals pills from the hospital and occasionally gives herself a special injection. It is only a matter of time that she will move into Guy's world with heroin.
Both Meredith Baxter and Stephen Lange were outstanding in the respective roles of Mary Ann and Guy. There was an ebb and flow to the drama as both characters would hit rock bottom, make the promise of starting a "clean slate," then fall back into the debilitating addiction.
The film develops the idea the Mary Ann and Guy only have so many opportunities for recovery. Guy is the first to finally gain sobriety, and Mary Ann eventually finds her own path. Some of the most heartbreaking moments of the film were the flashbacks when little Mary Ann lived with an abusive father. Her sister Sandra provides great support in her journey to recovery.
Based on a true story, "Darkness Before Dawn" is a primer for the experience of addiction and recovery. It is a frank appraisal of the lying that necessarily follows from addiction. It also presents the more hopeful outcome of regaining one's balance in life by following the adage of Shakespeare, "This above all to thine own self be true."
Guy Grant first met Mary Ann when he was in the throes of heroin addiction. The couple start a relationship and eventually marry with the common ground of their respective addictions. Mary Ann is a nurse who steals pills from the hospital and occasionally gives herself a special injection. It is only a matter of time that she will move into Guy's world with heroin.
Both Meredith Baxter and Stephen Lange were outstanding in the respective roles of Mary Ann and Guy. There was an ebb and flow to the drama as both characters would hit rock bottom, make the promise of starting a "clean slate," then fall back into the debilitating addiction.
The film develops the idea the Mary Ann and Guy only have so many opportunities for recovery. Guy is the first to finally gain sobriety, and Mary Ann eventually finds her own path. Some of the most heartbreaking moments of the film were the flashbacks when little Mary Ann lived with an abusive father. Her sister Sandra provides great support in her journey to recovery.
Based on a true story, "Darkness Before Dawn" is a primer for the experience of addiction and recovery. It is a frank appraisal of the lying that necessarily follows from addiction. It also presents the more hopeful outcome of regaining one's balance in life by following the adage of Shakespeare, "This above all to thine own self be true."
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