Movies

Survive ‘Until Dawn’ and you beat the game, but horror fans wanting red meat have already won

BBG News

Director David F. Sandberg is once again in familiar territory: a secluded cabin nestled deep within the forest teeming with dreadful creatures. Following his stint on the “Shazam!” films, the director behind “Lights Out” has decided to part ways with superheroes and return to the horror genre, and with his new movie, “Until Dawn,” it’s clear that he’s delighted to be back.

As a horror enthusiast, I can appreciate when a movie effectively utilizes the essential components to send chills down your spine: a band of youthful characters, a foreboding cabin, and in this instance, terrifying clowns. The script by Blair Butler and Gary Dauberman is derived from a PlayStation game creatively crafted by filmmakers Larry Fessenden and Graham Reznick, who drew inspiration from movies such as “Evil Dead” and “Poltergeist.” True to its roots, this cinematic adaptation exhibits the “Evil Dead” influence in its setting, characters, and graphic violence.

Just like ‘The Cabin in the Woods’ and ‘Happy Death Day’, ‘Until Dawn’ incorporates elements of postmodern, self-referential storytelling. It not only pays homage to classic horror tropes but also blends them with video game mechanics such as repetition and multiple lives. This creates a unique blend that is both a tribute to the genre and an interactive experience, similar to a choose your own adventure tale or an interactive haunted house.

As I embark on a weekend getaway with a group of attractive companions, we find ourselves at an unfamiliar “Welcome Center” in search of Melanie (Maia Mitchell), my friend Clover’s (Ella Rubin) long-missing sister. Accompanying us are Max (Michael Cimino), Megan (Ji-young Yoo), and Nina (Odessa A’zion), Clover’s friends, along with Abe (Belmont Cameli), Nina’s boyfriend. The eerie, chilling atmosphere is palpable, and our situation swiftly deteriorates. However, an hourglass mysteriously turns, and time rewinds. We find ourselves alive but shaken and bruised, recalling every terrifying event that transpired. What unspeakable calamity awaits us in the next time loop?

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In Clover’s second round, an old woman subtly hints, “Make it through the night or merge with it,” and that could be their lifeline. If they successfully dodge death until dawn, they should be in a safer position (comparatively speaking). However, each loop introduces fresh horrors, unforeseen perils, and distinct threats, making it impossible for them to gain an edge. They must endure repeated deaths, seeking an exit from this time labyrinth. Yet, how many attempts do they truly have?

Sandberg, Dauberman, and Butler consistently operate within a familiar, somewhat predictable horror style, relying on well-trodden tropes that may feel overused. However, they skillfully throw in unexpected twists and turns to keep viewers guessing throughout the movie. Despite the apparent familiarity of the team and their chosen genre, the filmmakers aim to keep audiences engaged by adding unforeseen elements to the storyline.

If you’re hoping for a logical explanation behind the events in this story, you might be disappointed. Peter Stormare plays an intriguing character who is both a creepy gas station attendant and a trauma psychologist with a past connection to the town where a tragic mine collapse occurred. His research focuses on the impact of fear, but it doesn’t provide insight into why the zombie miners wear clown masks or explain the various supernatural elements at play. However, “Until Dawn” doesn’t need to be logically consistent to be effective. The film’s world operates under its own unique set of rules, and as long as those are followed, everything makes sense within that context.

The repeated loop provides us additional time to delve deeper into these characters. Despite fitting familiar roles such as the tough yet vulnerable “final girl,” the arrogant jock, the witty sidekick, and the eccentric but insightful best friend, they are well-developed individuals with a hint of sarcasm and self-awareness. As the nights progress, there’s disagreement and tension among them, yet each member seems justified in their actions, creating an unusual unity that’s rarely seen among friends trapped in a forest teeming with lethal creatures.

Sandberg doesn’t aim to surpass “Until Dawn” from its B-movie horror origins; instead, he celebrates both the strengths and weaknesses, including the grisly aspects, by paying homage to classic films that laid the groundwork for this genre. He even makes a few witty references to his own work as tributes. This production may resonate primarily with fans who value reverence and surprises, but it offers enjoyable, albeit light-hearted, bloodshed for those who enjoy traditional forest escapades.

Walsh is a Tribune News Service film critic.

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2025-04-26 18:31

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