The first official trailer for Finally Dawn (Finalmente L’alba)—a richly atmospheric period drama set against the backdrop of 1950s Cinecittà—has just premiered. Directed and written by Saverio Costanzo, the film stars Lily James, Willem Dafoe, and Joe Keery in a visually stunning tale of ambition and self-discovery.
The trailer reveals its nostalgic setting, featuring gorgeous shots of postwar Rome and the bustling film studios immerse viewers in “Hollywood on the Tiber,” capturing the era’s glamor and grit.
Plot
We follow a young Roman woman (Lily James as Josephine Esperanto) during an intense, soul-searching night as she auditions to be an extra and confronts her future path.
Interactions with Dafoe’s studio insider (Rufus Priori) and Keery’s American actor (Sean Lockwood) tease a complex web of mentorship, temptation, and artistic rivalry.
Costanzo intended the film as a “coming-of-age via cinema,” set in a single night, that blends historical texture with surreal undertones inspired by Fellini and Sirk. Cinematography is by Sayombhu Mukdeeprom, with a rich, cinematic look that complements Costanzo’s atmospheric direction.
Finally Dawn emerges as an elegantly crafted drama exploring the transformative power of cinema and ambition in postwar Rome. With its striking visuals, sophisticated cast, and evocative trailer, it promises to be a standout cinematic event. Keep an eye out for its release—this could be one of 2025’s most talked-about period pieces.
