• Release year: 2025
• Director: David F. Sandberg.
• Producers: Gary Dauberman, Mia Meniscalco, Roy Lee, Lotta Losten, Asad Qizilbash, David F. Sandberg, and Carter Swan.
• Screenplay by: Gary Dauberman and Blair Butler.
• Cinematography by: Maxime Alexandre.
• Music by: Benjamin Wallfisch.

Shotgun Commentary: good slasher that has NOTHING to do with the video game.

Review

Until Dawn is a clear case of decent horror destroyed by one horrible decision. In this case, that decision was to link the movie with the homonymous video game (2015). When the game came out, it was quickly popularised for being almost like being part of a horror slasher. One would think that its proximity to the cinematic format would make it particularly easy to adapt for the big screen, no? Well, one would be terribly wrong.

The story begins with five YA retracing the steps of Melanie (Maia Mitchell). Melanie is Clover’s (Ella Rubin) sister, and because Clover has been in a near catatonic state since she disappeared, her friends decide to accompany her on her journey to find out what happened to her sister. They go to her last known location, just outside of a gas station, and Clover speaks to the gas station clerk (Peter Stormare), who directs her to Glore Valley, a place nearby where lots of people have gone missing.

Stormare is the only direct link to the video game that is present throughout the film. Forget about Rami Malek, Hayden Panettiere or Brett Dalton. They were too expensive for this project, because let’s be honest, it is not that hard to adapt the story to non-teenager characters. Still, Stormare is arguably the coolest character of the video game, so at least there’s that. Is he still creepy? You bet. Does he remain the highlight of the project? Hell yeah! Still, one can’t help but think that this film, at least for its release on streaming, could’ve done with a couple of interactive psych tests like the video game had. You know, Bandersnatch (2018) style.

The dynamics… ish

Once the YA pals go into the only house in Glore Valley, they begin to notice strange things all around. The first one being a very extreme rain shaft right next to the house. Then a time loop begins—Happy Death Day (2017) style, but less entertaining and way more gruesome.

Each repetition has its own villain to keep the boo-factor fresh, and with each repetition, the friends become a little less human. Is this transformation coherent or logical in any way? Not really. Does it at least happen at a constant rate? Yeah, no. In fact, it is more an element born out of greed than anything else, as it is completely unnecessary to the growth of the story and ultimately bears no relevance in its outcome. Sure, it explains how the horrors in Glore Valley came to happen, but it leaves you surprisingly indifferent.

If you have been wondering whether to watch this feature or not, you might have already watched the promotional trailer. If that is the case, I’m afraid to inform you that you have already seen absolutely all the jumpscares and villains that are featured in the film. Admittedly, my only insight into the process of making movie trailers comes from The Holiday (2006), but surely there is a better way? One that will not spoil the whole work before you even get the chance to see it?

All in all, Until Dawn is a frustratingly forgettable movie. It tries to include so many horror elements that it gets lost in its own story. It would have been a lot more successful with a different title and forgoing any connection to the game whatsoever.

Advice to take from this movie:

• Never bring an *sshole to a road trip.
• Never bring a guy you plan to break up with to a road trip.
• Always sign your name in the visitor logs. You never know.

What’s your take? Have you watched Until Dawn? Don’t hesitate to let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, or leave a message on my contact page! For more reviews and cinema-related articles, check out the rest of my blog! 😀