Netflix's new horror movie, "Until Dawn," has just dropped, and for fans of the beloved PlayStation video game, it's a wild ride. While not a direct adaptation, the film takes the core concept of a group of friends facing unimaginable horrors in a remote, isolated location and twists it into something both familiar and uniquely unsettling. Overall, I'm giving "Until Dawn" a solid 7/10.
What immediately struck me about the movie was its fresh and unique concept. While I haven't personally played the "Until Dawn" video game, I did do a light amount of research into its acclaimed branching narrative and player-driven choices. Knowing that, it was particularly impressive how the film cleverly adapts that core idea. Instead of merely recreating the branching narratives and character choices of the game, "Until Dawn" introduces an intriguing time-loop mechanic. This means our new, original cast of characters, including Ella Rubin as Clover, Michael Cimino as Max, and Odessa A'zion as Nina, are forced to relive the same terrifying night over and over again. Each loop brings a different threat, a new twist, and a fresh set of challenges, keeping the audience on their toes and delivering some genuinely surprising scares. It's a clever way to capture the "trial and error" feel of the game's multiple playthroughs without being beholden to its specific plot. You'll be yelling "Again? For fuck's sake!" right along with the characters.
However, where the movie lost a point or two for me was in the level of acting. While the cast is undeniably talented, some performances leaned a bit too heavily into typical "teen horror" tropes, making it feel more geared towards a younger, perhaps more easily spooked, audience than those who appreciated the nuanced character development and more mature themes that I understand were present in the original game. At times, the emotional beats felt a little forced, and the dialogue occasionally ventured into "too cool for school" territory, which pulled me out of the immersion. Like, come on, some scenes they are just full sending their lives and not caring for the pain that follows their death. It just felt a bit too edgy for adults haha.
Comparing it to the actual video game, "Until Dawn" isn't trying to be a direct copy, and that's largely to its benefit. Even with my limited knowledge of the game, I can tell the film operates within the same universe, with nods and Easter eggs that longtime fans will appreciate, such as the appearance of Peter Stormare reprising his role as Dr. Hill, albeit in a different capacity. The movie expands on the lore in interesting ways, particularly with its exploration of the time loop and the true nature of the threats. While I understand the game focused heavily on the Wendigo and a human antagonist, the film throws a variety of monstrous entities and psychological horrors at its protagonists, making each loop feel distinct. It's less about choice-driven narrative and more about a brutal, relentless onslaught of terror, reflecting the game's core theme of survival against overwhelming odds.
And speaking of survival, for those who made it through the credits, there's a tantalizing tease. The after-credits cut strongly hints at a potential sequel, possibly even setting the stage for a more direct connection to the events of the original game. Without giving too much away, it leaves the door wide open for further exploration of this terrifying world and its interconnected mythology. So, if you're a glutton for punishment, good news! Your nightmare might just be beginning.
In conclusion, "Until Dawn" is a solid horror flick that successfully reinvents the source material while paying homage to its roots. Despite some slight missteps in acting that lean a bit too "teen," its fresh concept, original cast, and relentless scares make it a worthwhile watch, especially for horror aficionados and fans of the game looking for a new nightmare. And with that post-credits tease, it seems our terrifying journey might just be beginning.