Movie Review: Until Dawn (2025) – A Chilling, Choice-Driven Horror Triumph

 Until Dawn (2025) – A Chilling, Choice-Driven Horror Triumph

 Movie Review: Until Dawn (2025) – A Chilling, Choice-Driven Horror Triumph

Until Dawn (2025), directed by David F. Sandberg, is a bold cinematic adaptation of the 2015 interactive survival horror game by Supermassive Games. This film takes the game’s choose-your-own-adventure DNA and weaves it into a gripping, atmospheric slasher that keeps you guessing until the credits roll. With a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes, this R-rated thrill ride delivers a fresh spin on the horror genre, blending psychological dread, gory thrills, and a surprising amount of heart.

Plot & Premise

Set in the snowy, isolated Blackwood Mountain, Until Dawn follows a group of eight college friends who reunite at a remote lodge one year after a tragic accident claimed the lives of two of their own. The ensemble, led by standout performances from Ella Rubin as Sam and Michael Cimino as Mike, is a mix of archetypes—jock, nerd, final girl, and party animal—yet each character feels fleshed out, thanks to sharp writing and committed acting. Their reunion quickly spirals into a night of terror as they’re hunted by a masked killer and something far more sinister lurking in the shadows. The film cleverly integrates the game’s “butterfly effect” mechanic, where choices matter, by presenting a narrative that feels like it could shift with every viewing, even in a linear format.

What Works

Sandberg nails the game’s eerie aesthetic, with cinematographer Maxime Alexandre crafting a claustrophobic, frostbitten atmosphere that makes Blackwood Mountain a character in itself. The film’s pacing is relentless, balancing jump scares with creeping dread, while the creature design—without spoiling too much—is grotesque and unforgettable. The cast, including Odessa A’zion as Jess and Kyle Gallner as Chris, brings genuine chemistry, making you care about their fates, even when their decisions scream “don’t go in there!” The script, penned by Blair Butler and Gary Dauberman, leans into the game’s campy humor but knows when to dial it back for gut-punching emotional beats.

A unique touch is the film’s subtle nod to player agency. Without breaking the fourth wall, certain scenes are framed as if the audience is making choices, with characters debating decisions in ways that mirror the game’s branching paths. It’s a clever way to honor the source material while keeping the film accessible to newcomers. The score by Bear McCreary, paired with haunting use of silence, amplifies the tension, making every creak of the lodge floorboards hit like a sledgehammer.

What Doesn’t

While the film juggles its large cast well, a few characters, like Nikolai Witschy’s Josh, get less screen time than fans of the game might hope for, leaving some arcs feeling rushed. The third act, while thrilling, leans heavily on horror tropes, which might feel predictable for genre veterans. Additionally, the film’s attempt to balance the game’s supernatural and human threats occasionally muddies the pacing, with a few expository scenes that could’ve been trimmed for a tighter finish.

Standout Moments

Without giving spoilers, the mine sequence is a masterclass in suspense, blending practical effects and CGI for a heart-pounding descent into madness. Ella Rubin’s Sam emerges as the emotional core, her performance carrying the weight of grief and survival instinct. A mid-film twist, hinted at in the game but reimagined here, will leave audiences gasping and debating long after the lights come up.

Verdict

Until Dawn is a rare video game adaptation that respects its source while carving its own path. It’s a bloody, emotional, and visually stunning horror flick that captures the spirit of the game without feeling like a rehash. Fans will love the Easter eggs (keep an eye out for Dr. Hill’s cameo), and newcomers will find a smart, scary slasher that stands on its own. It’s not perfect, but it’s a damn good time for anyone who loves their horror with a side of moral dilemmas.

Rating: 8/10

Perfect for a late-night watch with friends, Until Dawn will have you second-guessing every choice—yours and the characters’. Catch it in theaters, and maybe bring a friend to grab onto during the jump scares.