Overcoming 'Until Dawn' concludes the game, yet horror aficionados seeking gruesome content have already attained their victory.
Katie Walsh's Take on 'Until Dawn'
Director David F. Sandberg returns to his horror roots with a vengeance in "Until Dawn." It's clear that the man behind "Lights Out" is thrilled to be back in his comfort zone - a chilling cabin nestled deep in the woods, teeming with terrifying creatures.
Inspired by movies like "Evil Dead," "Poltergeist," "The Cabin in the Woods," and "Happy Death Day," the film boasts a captivating blend of postmodern, self-referential elements and classic horror tropes. It's part tribute to the genre, part interactive haunted house, and absolutely, unapologetically, terrifying.
Our cast of characters arrives at a foreboding Welcome Center in search of Melanie, a girl missing for a whole year. The friends are Clover, the determined protagonist, Maia Mitchell's feisty sister; Max, the condescending jock, Michael Cimino's young charmer; Megan, the sardonic pal, Ji-young Yoo's quick wit; and Nina, the kooky yet intuitive bestie, played by Odessa A'zion. Belmont Cameli rounds out the group as Abe, Nina's new boyfriend.
The tension is palpable as they explore the eerie landscape, only for things to swiftly take a turn for the worst. But the unexpected happens in the blink of an eye - an hourglass turns, and time winds back. The friends find themselves alive, battered, and a little freaked out - but they remember everything that happened. And they're back in the nightmare cycle, trying to figure out what horrific thing might kill them next.
Sandberg, together with Blair Butler and Gary Dauberman, work together to create a film that feels like a spirited, schlocky homage to B-movie horror. They dole out well-worn horror stereotypes but keep things fresh with wild surprises that'll have you questioning everything you thought you knew.
Expectations might be sky-high, but let's face it - this film won't make much real-world sense. Peter Stormare acts as the creepy gas station attendant and potential psychologist, sprinkling some unexplained horror elements into the mix. But who needs logical explanations when you've got a film that thrives on its unique set of ironclad rules?
What truly sets "Until Dawn" apart is its well-rounded characters. They may slot into familiar archetypes, but these aren't caricatures - they're flesh-and-blood people, complete with infighting, backstabbing, and good old-fashioned human drama. Despite the bloody horror that surrounds them, they manage to stay united as they work together to find a way out of their ever-escalating nightmare.
So, what do you say? Strap on your survivor's instincts and brace yourself for a blood-soaked, thrilling ride that'll leave you breathless, questioning, and perhaps a little bit in love with B-movie horror all over again. Just remember: Time is a killer, and nothing stays buried for long in Glore Valley.
Walsh is a Tribune News Service film critic.
'Until Dawn'
Rated: R, for strong bloody horror violence, gore and language throughoutRunning time: 1 hour, 43 minutesPlaying: In wide release Friday, April 25
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- Katie Walsh's review of 'Until Dawn' highlights its connection to horror classics like 'Evil Dead', 'Poltergeist', and 'The Cabin in the Woods', making it a blend of postmodern, interactive, and traditional elements, all set in the chilling landscape of a cabin in California.
- The film takes place in Glore Valley, California, where the dangers of an eerie landscape become a terrifying reality for a group of friends, each playing a distinct role reminiscent of B-movie characters, as they try to escape their nightmarish predicament.
- Sandberg, Butler, and Dauberman bring a fresh take to horror tropes in 'Until Dawn', pushing the boundaries of suspense with unexpected surprises that keep the audience questioning foundations of the genre.
- Amidst the blood-soaked chaos, the film's characters stand out, offering a realistic portrayal of individual personalities and relationships, making viewers care about their survival and united effort to escape the horrors of Glore Valley.
- With the release of 'Until Dawn' in wide theaters on April 25, horror fans will have the opportunity to experience a new chapter in interactive entertainment, dig into a gripping narrative, and rediscover their love for the genre, all while questioning the line between reality and fiction in the world of B-movie horror.
