Until Dawn, directed by David F. Sandberg (Annabelle: Creation and Lights Out) is a survival horror film inspired by the Supermassive Games 2015 interactive game of the same title.
A five person ensemble led by Clover (Ella Rubin), takes her ex-boyfriend Max (Michael Cimino), friends Megan (Ji-Young Yoo) and Nina (Odessa A’zion), and Nina‘s boyfriend Abe (Belmont Cameli), on a trip to retrace the steps of her sister Melanie (Maia Mitchell), who went missing just one year prior. On this search, Clover crosses paths with a strange gas station attendant, before the group find themselves at the visitor centre of Glore Valley, the sunken mining town.
Exploring the strange and vacant building, when nightfall arrives, the group finds themselves being chased and killed off one-by-one by a large, masked killer. After awaking from the brutality, with their faces on the missing persons wall, and the hourglass flipped, the group realise that they are in a time-loop of death. With limited nights left before they become a permanent part of the night, like the doomed visitors before them; one unfortunate soul being Melanie, this quickly becomes a fight for survival until dawn.
As an avid player of the game, I was both excited and hesitant going into the film, curious to see how they would adapt this popular game for the screen. As it turns out, this movie adaptation is much more of a standalone story set in the same universe. So, if you’re going in with the expectation of it being ripped from the game, you’ll be setting yourself up for disappointment.
The Wendigo are ever present and Peter Stormare, reprises his role as Dr. Hill. Easter eggs appear throughout the film, most notably in the background set, including an image of Josh and his patient notes (Rami Malek’s character from the game) on the doctor’s desk. However, that is where most similarities end, and though hard not to, it is not worth comparing the two.
Until Dawn as an ensemble driven film feels fairly balanced, and the acting overall is strong. However, I didn’t particularly have a strong like or dislike for any of the film character, something I can’t say the same for the characters in the video game, but you do root for their survival.
Until Dawn tackles the subject of the human psyche and mental illness through Clover‘s journey and Dr. Hill near the conclusion of the film, which summarises the masked killer as being an embodiment of Clover‘s fears. While I did enjoy this take, what it lacked was the shift in dynamics and internal conflicts of friendship that arise in life-or-death situations and the decision made, something that is seen prominently throughout the video game.
Due to how early on the characters figure out what’s going on, wasting nights to kill themselves just to try again tomorrow, there is a distinct lack of risk and tension in the film for the most part. Up until the final night, much of it just feels like a waiting game.
Director Sandberg uses mostly practical VFX effects in Until Dawn at a level that is reminiscent of movies like The Cabin In The Woods (2011); meta jokes included. Where this film excels in is with its on-screen graphic gore. The Wendigo’s are by far the frighteningly best element in Until Dawn with their characterisation and presence. They keep you holding your breath and not wanting to move an inch while in your seat.
Until Dawn does well to explore their methods of creation, not entirely dissimilar from the game. Dr. Hill emphasises that Clover and her friends would experience a new horror each night and there were some very disgustingly well done kill methods undertaken. I would have enjoyed seeing more of the later nights that were breezed over in conversation or shown through a small compilation on Abe‘s phone. Although, what we’re provided was nothing short of graphic and creative. The set, although low lit, supports the atmosphere well and led to some additionally fun jump scares.
Until Dawn seemingly attempts to poke fun at the genre with some comedy but has a series of hits and misses. The conclusion appropriately ties up the story with the protagonists successfully, surviving until dawn, but overall, it’s underwhelming. After the protagonist’s escape, the screen pans back to the TV in Dr. Hill’s office, observing a snow lodge that closely resembles the one in the 2015 game. Thus, implying that this may just be a prequel.
As a standalone movie based purely in the same universe as its namesake, Until Dawn does okay. If you’re a horror fan, keen for jump scares and gore, there are some things to like. However, if you’re a fan of the game, you will need to approach this movie adaptation with an open mind.