Until Dawn: A Slasher Movie That Fails to Raise the Stakes
An Overview of Modern Death in Film
In today’s cinematic landscape, death seems to have lost its weight. Take, for instance, the announcement of “John Wick 5” — a move that proves that even the most monumental endings can be undone when profit is at stake. At the conclusion of “John Wick 4,” our beloved assassin seemed to meet his final demise, resembling a fitting farewell to a thrilling franchise. But as thoughts turned to financial opportunities, it became glaringly obvious: the allure of more Keanu Reeves on our screens was simply too enticing to resist.
Enter: Until Dawn
“Until Dawn,” a recent horror film, embodies this cavalier attitude towards mortality. The movie presents a whimsical yet grim reality — death is merely a reset button that allows characters to endure the same horrific night over and over. Picture a slasher film mixed with a time-loop concept akin to “Groundhog Day,” but lacking the ingenuity and character development that made that format compelling. Instead, it’s a shallow tribute to horror tropes that raises the question: does anything really matter?
The Premise: A Night of Terrifying Repetitions
The plot revolves around five college students stuck in a spooky woodland house, reminiscent of a cozy bed-and-breakfast but laden with sinister secrets. The concept might remind you of the “Palm Springs” twist on time loops, but where that film delivered character evolution, “Until Dawn” curiously avoids any exploration of growth or ingenuity.
Once trapped, an hourglass begins to flip, signaling the countdown for a night of terror — a mere 20 minutes. By the end, our characters have met gruesome fates through stabbings, gougings, and even some explosive deaths. Yet, don’t fret; the hourglass resets, plopping them back into a harrowing cycle without any consequences.
The Pitfalls of Predictability: Nothing Really at Stake
While the impending doom of the characters offers a semblance of suspense, it quickly becomes apparent that nothing is truly at stake. Death has been rendered inconsequential, a tool for the filmmakers to deliver gratuitous gore without any emotional resonance or stakes. The next night dawns with more clichés — just another random killing spree featuring different masked assailants and supernatural entities.
Comparing Games to Film: A Question of Quality
Adapted from the acclaimed PlayStation 4 video game of the same name, “Until Dawn” stands as a cautionary tale of what can go wrong in the film adaptation of a video game. Originally crafted by filmmaker Larry Fessenden and writer Graham Reznick, the game drew inspiration from classic horror films like “Evil Dead II” and “Poltergeist.” Alas, the movie feels like a tangled web of references. Rather than carving its own unique path, it becomes a lifeless imitation of the genre’s past.
Characters and Their Absence of Depth
The search for Melanie (Maia Mitchell) — the missing sister of character Clover (Ella Rubin), who has the potential to be the film’s "final girl" — serves as a meager backdrop to the ensuing chaos. Posters clutter the walls, hinting at other lost souls, but these details never come to fruition. The characters are merely archetypes: a hulking figure in clown attire and a slew of generic demons make up the lineup, all devoid of personality.
Dialogue and Execution: A Missed Opportunity
As our protagonists face fate, they engage in banter that feels as forced as the scares. Lines like “We’re dealing with some really messed-up stuff here!” fall flat, marking the film’s tone as monotonous. While “Until Dawn” might achieve a decent box office turnout during its opening weekend, it remains clear that its merit as a quality horror film is lacking.
Conclusion: A Numbing Experience
In summary, “Until Dawn” presents itself as a patchwork of horror, leaving viewers feeling trapped in an endless cycle of boredom rather than suspense. With no true stakes and uninspired execution, the film ultimately fails to deliver on the expectations built by both its video game origins and horror film conventions. It’s a frustrating reminder that when it comes to horror, a gripping narrative and well-developed characters are essential — something tragically absent in this film. For horror enthusiasts, “Until Dawn” might just feel like a missed opportunity in an otherwise tantalizing genre.
For more insights into the evolving world of horror cinema, check out resources like Rotten Tomatoes or Variety which offer in-depth analyses and reviews.
