Year: 2007
Runtime: 110 min
Language: English
Director: Christopher Cain
Budget: $11M
In a remote Utah valley, a shocking massacre occurs on September 11, 1857, claiming the lives of one hundred twenty people. The events are steeped in mystery and speculation, with the true reasons for the violence deliberately concealed to protect the reputation of a prominent religious figure. Drawing on historical accounts, this drama explores the complex interplay of faith, loyalty, and the devastating consequences of tragedy, revealing a darker chapter in American history.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen September Dawn yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of September Dawn (2007), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
In 1857, as a wagon train departing from Arkansas and a fervent group of Mormons approached Cedar City, Utah, they were destined for a tragic encounter that would change lives forever. Amidst this tension, two young souls found themselves irresistibly drawn to one another. The moment Jonathan Samuelson laid his eyes on the captivating Emily Hudson, he felt an instant connection. Likewise, Emily was enchanted by Jonathan, a kindhearted young Mormon with a remarkable affinity for horses.
However, their blossoming romance faced insurmountable obstacles, primarily due to Jonathan’s father, Jacob Samuelson, who believed the Gentile settlers posed a threat to their community. Driven by fear, Jacob instructed Jonathan to infiltrate the settlers and sought counsel from the church elders. His paranoia escalated when he claimed to receive divine confirmation of his worst fears, compelling him to send a horrifying directive to John D. Lee, the adopted son of Brigham Young, instructing him to annihilate everyone in the wagon train, sparing only the youngest.
In a desperate bid to avert this impending massacre, Jonathan turned against his church’s teachings. He attempted to warn both the settlers and their leader, Captain Fancher, of the looming danger. Unfortunately, he was thwarted by his father’s imprisonment, helplessly watching as his younger brother, Micha, was swept up in the fanaticism and bloodshed that ensued.
Finally breaking free from his restraints, Jonathan sprinted towards the site of the unfolding horror, only to be met by an unimaginable scene filled with grief and despair. Haunted by his love for Emily, Jonathan was forced into a heart-rending decision—would he choose love, even in the face of such death, or succumb to the fate that loomed over them all?
Last Updated: October 25, 2024 at 12:16
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Gripping dramas that expose devastating, true-life events and the people caught within them.If you were gripped by the tragic true story of September Dawn, explore more movies like it. These films delve into other devastating historical events, exploring themes of faith, betrayal, and survival with a heavy emotional weight and a steady, tense build-up.
Stories in this thread often follow a linear, steady build towards a known historical catastrophe. Characters are typically torn between personal loyalties and a growing awareness of impending doom, leading to a climax of violence and a resolution steeped in loss and remembrance.
These movies are grouped together for their shared commitment to exploring dark chapters of history with emotional gravity. They share a high intensity, a dark tone, and a heavy emotional weight, creating a consistently gripping and somber viewing experience.
Romantic connections that defy deep-seated divisions, only to be crushed by overwhelming forces.Viewers who appreciated the doomed romance in September Dawn will find similar emotional journeys here. Discover other movies where love struggles to survive against a backdrop of fanaticism and violence, leading to bittersweet or tragic conclusions.
The narrative pattern involves two characters from conflicting worlds forming a bond that offers a glimpse of hope. This personal connection is set against a backdrop of rising community or societal tension, which inevitably overwhelms the relationship, resulting in profound personal loss.
These films share a core emotional arc: the promise of love destroyed by external forces of prejudice or violence. They blend a significant romance plot with high-stakes drama, creating a specific mix of heartfelt connection and impending dread.
Don't stop at just watching — explore September Dawn in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what September Dawn is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of September Dawn with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape September Dawn. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of September Dawn that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about September Dawn: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like September Dawn that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
September Dawn (2007) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
September Dawn (2007) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
September Dawn (2007) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like September Dawn – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Heaven's Gate (1980) Complete Plot Breakdown
Brigham City (2001) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
The Dawn (2020) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Six Days in August (2025) Film Overview & Timeline
The Dawn (2019) Complete Plot Breakdown
Son of the Morning Star (1000) Detailed Story Recap
Savage Dawn (1985) Film Overview & Timeline
1883 (1000) Film Overview & Timeline
Under the Banner of Heaven (1000) Complete Plot Breakdown
The Daughter of Dawn (1920) Full Movie Breakdown
Brigham Young (1940) Complete Plot Breakdown
Massacre (1934) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Another Dawn (1937) Detailed Story Recap
Dawn at Socorro (1954) Ending Explained & Film Insights
The Dawn Rider (1935) Detailed Story Recap