2015’s gaming sensation, “The Year of Survival Horror,” offered an unprecedented blend of movie-like choices in the player’s hands, creating a heart-pounding, nerve-wracking adventure. The game challenged players to either save all characters or, for the more ruthless gamers, complete the game without any survivors. At its core, the appeal lay in making life-or-death decisions in perilous situations and grappling with the ethical consequences of survival. Contrastingly, the 2025 film adaptation, “Until Dawn,” fell short of replicating that tension and provided an entirely different experience instead.
In the game titled “Until Dawn“, we follow a close-knit group of friends who have shared many years together. Their world is shattered when one of their own loses her sister mysteriously, leaving no trace. In an attempt to find closure, they venture into a house that repeatedly takes them back to the same fateful night. As time passes and deaths occur, a new supernatural danger surfaces with each loss. The game mirrors the theme of persistence and refusing to quit, but in the process, it highlights a chasm between plot and title that underscores the fact that a compelling narrative isn’t solely dependent on its title.
Until Dawn’s Story Fails to Come Together
The Narrative Relies Too Much on Nostalgia
In my opinion, this film initially appeared as a classic slasher, but it subtly morphed into a creature feature. The title, “Dawn,” served as a clear objective: to make it through till morning. Surprisingly, the plot could encompass any narrative and focus on virtually any character or circumstance, yet still maintain its effectiveness.
In the film, it appears that the creators missed the mark by making the premise the driving force of the story. The underlying assumption was always that the audience and I would implicitly agree on the goal: surviving until dawn. Yet, the inclusion of a physical hourglass complicates matters. It allows characters to replay the same night repeatedly, but this repetition doesn’t resonate as intended and makes the narrative even more confusing.
Although this concept could have been effectively developed, it fails to fully explore the reasons behind the multiple threats, leaving viewers slightly puzzled at the resolution. Instead of providing clarity, one might find themselves questioning, “What necessitated the presence of a slasher in the first place?” Even after this basic question is addressed, other questions about the motivations and actions still linger unanswered.
From a film enthusiast’s perspective, the narrative of Until Dawn has always been intriguingly straightforward – a standalone tale where the end could take countless turns and any character could make it through. However, the movie seems to stretch this concept by weaving multiple horror tales within one overarching plot, which results in a story that bites off more than it can chew. When a film attempts to tackle too many aspects, it often loses its unique identity, and regrettably, Until Dawn falls into that trap. Nonetheless, the tale did offer some engaging moments that are worth appreciating.
Until Dawn’s Callbacks, Cast and Effects are Amazing Anchors
Audiences Can Rely on What Keeps the Movie Alive
Despite the fact that the overall production of “Until Dawn” misses its target in several aspects, there are certain features that manage to maintain interest and are compelling enough to hold viewers captivated. Topping this list is the exceptional cast that breathes life into the movie.
Different characters, ranging from those who think they know it all to genuinely good individuals, are much like classic characters found in games (and horror films). However, they do an exceptional job of maintaining realism. Yes, some characters may make questionable decisions, but this is forgivable as they also demonstrate smart choices. The entire cast performs admirably, but Ji-young Yoo’s portrayal of Megan truly shines. She embodies both intelligence and emotional depth within the group. Additionally, Michael Cimino’s character, Max, is particularly endearing due to his caring and down-to-earth nature.
Each person’s terror seems genuine, fitting given the convincing build-up from start to finish. The masked slasher who haunts them initially provides gruesome, videogame-like deaths that will undoubtedly linger in viewers’ minds. Similarly, the Wendigo, as terrifying as they are in the game, leave fans yearning for more encounters with them. Yet, it is the director David F. Sandberg’s skillful framing of these chilling and nostalgic moments that truly shines, making the acting and effects stand out.
In much the same way as films based on video games or comic books often evoke nostalgia by drawing upon elements from their source material, Sandberg’s adaptation of “Until Dawn” skillfully recreates certain deaths in a manner reminiscent of the game. These scenes, characterized by their gruesome depiction of consequences arising from errors, leave viewers with a sense of unease. The film also incorporates more subtle moments that heighten tension, such as instances where the characters must act covertly when danger is imminent, even in plain sight. A notable scene pays tribute to a memorable moment from the game. Additionally, the film recreates the game’s signature choices that could mean life or death, ensuring these decisions remain indelible in players’ minds. Ultimately, the essence of the game shines through in impactful moments, making for an authentic adaptation, thanks to the cast and visual effects.
Until Dawn Deserves Something Special (But the Movie Isn’t It)
Until Dawn Works Better Separated From the Game
In the film “Until Dawn“, there are noticeable flaws that become increasingly evident as the plot unfolds. The jump scares, while intended, often seem contrived, and the narrative lacks the suspenseful intrigue you’d expect from a group of individuals who have reasons to be wary of each other.
Above all, the final truth might not be straightforward or fulfilling following the trials experienced by both the characters and viewers since the hourglass starts ticking. Nonetheless, Despite these challenges, Until Dawn demonstrates that it is indeed a unique gaming experience worth appreciating.
It’s possible to think that creating various edits of the film to offer a unique experience every time could have been thrilling and enjoyable. With the advent of home video, this approach might have created an interactive “choose your own adventure” movie, providing a completely distinct story that, while bearing the title of Until Dawn, only loosely resembled its original source. By hinting at connections to the origin without being able to fully explore its own potential, it ultimately weakened the film and demonstrated a missed opportunity for innovation and excitement.
Fundamentally, “Until Dawn” is a film that attempts to mimic the thrill and high stakes of horror video games, yet falls short in creating an intense, immersive experience. Instead, viewers might leave feeling somewhat disappointed, questioning what could have been, while hardcore fans may perceive it as a film that fell short of its title’s promise. On a positive note, “Until Dawn” has the potential to launch a new horror movie franchise, and its formula has been effectively utilized in other productions such as “The Dark Pictures Anthology”. However, a film that straddles the line between originality and homage isn’t the solution for a successful adaptation of “Until Dawn”.
Until Dawn is in theaters now.
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2025-04-25 17:38