Release Date: April 25, 2025
Directed By: David F. Sandberg
Runtime: 103 min
REVIEW
Based on the 2015 video game bearing the same name, Until Dawn is the latest horror film attempting to bring the small screen to life. It’s an effort not always appreciated by gamers, and a sentiment movie fans understand considering the infinite number of sequels, requels, and reboots that get tossed our way every year.
Despite all the letdowns, we remain hopeful that a shiny gem will be unearthed. Honestly, it doesn’t even have to be shiny. Sometimes a dull sheen is all that’s required to embrace it with open arms.
The tricky thing with video game adaptations, however, is that there’s already a firmly established fan base. People who have devoted hours, maybe even days of their lives, to the story, and loyalties run deep. That’s a nearly impossible task for any director willing to take on the challenge.
So, for someone like me, unfamiliar with the game, the story, and the characters, I think it’s easier to enjoy an adaptation like Until Dawn. There aren’t any preconceived notions of what it should be or what should happen. Going in without baggage means you’re free to enjoy it for what it is.
And what is it? Well, it’s popcorn horror. Likely not the worst thing you’ll see this year, and probably not the best, but it’s entertaining and fun and there’s some awesome practical effects. Until Dawn isn’t going to stick with you days afterwards and have you pondering the meaning of your existence, but it will give you some characters to cheer for, and one or two you’ll hope die in grisly ways.
We won’t go into the details here about the difference in storyline between the game and the movie. Still, from what I’ve read, there are enough similarities that players of the original Supermassive game will see some familiar people and creatures. And things have been altered enough to keep fans of the franchise guessing. Until Dawn keeps its choose-your-own-adventure roots, while throwing its characters into the Groundhog Day from hell so they can try and fight their way out.
There’s also some unfortunate timing here with Sinners releasing at the same time, and going on to dominate the box office ever since. I’m not sure anyone predicted it to do as well as it did, and I can’t help but wonder if the two hadn’t been paired together, would Until Dawn have fared a little better?
I definitely recommend giving Until Dawn a watch. It’s fun, entertaining, with enough creatures and gore to make it well worth the price of admission. You probably won’t be blown away, but you’ll have a good time.
New Zealand Horror Fans 