A Ambitious-Missed Opportunity

In the world of horror adaptations, *Until Dawn* reaches for the stars but falls short. Directed by David F. Sandberg, the film attempts to juggle too many genres at once—mixing a tribute to horror, a time-loop narrative, and a heartfelt exploration of trauma. Unfortunately, this overreaching ambition leads to a fragmented film that feels more generic than groundbreaking.

A Road Trip to Uncover Dark Secrets

The story revolves around a group of teenagers embarking on a road trip to help their friend Clover (Ella Rubin) process her sister's mysterious disappearance. While they anticipate a healing journey, Clover has darker plans—investigating her sister's last known whereabouts. Their road leads them to the eerie Glore Valley, where an isolated mansion holds chilling secrets.

Into the Mansion of Horrors

Once inside the mansion, the group encounters unsettling clues: photographs of missing townsfolk, a peculiar guest book, and an ominous hourglass. Their explorations take a gruesome turn when a masked killer descends upon them, sending them spiraling into a nightmarish cycle – they find themselves reliving their mortal end in a *Groundhog Day*-style twist. With new monstrous threats emerging each night, they must figure out how to survive until dawn.

A Promising Start Falls Flat

As the film progresses through resets and refreshingly diverse horror elements, there's a spark of hope—*Until Dawn* seems to capture the essence of *The Cabin in the Woods* blended with classic horror. However, the film's initial momentum wanes as characters are thrust into undisclosed time jumps, robbing the audience of the suspenseful unraveling they crave. Instead, viewers are presented with a montage of past horrors recorded on a phone—highlighting some of the most visually stunning (and terrifying) moments of the film.

A Script Stuck in the Mundane

Sadly, the excitement of terrifying, practical effects and monstrous visuals becomes more of an afterthought. As the plot dives deep into tedious backstory and heavy-handed themes reminiscent of trauma in horror, the tension dissipates. Viewers are left longing for the adrenaline that should accompany a horror film, a stark contrast to the original *Until Dawn* video game, which thrives on player choices and unique storytelling.

A Lackluster Finale

By the time the film reaches its conclusion, the earlier events feel like a tease, leading to a finale that could easily belong to a lesser horror film. While the game offers thrilling, unpredictable scares and an innovative narrative, the movie's outright lack of energy and originality leads to disappointment.

Final Verdict

Though *Until Dawn* opens in theaters on April 25, it struggles to present an exciting or unique story, leaving the thrill of the game far behind. The promising concept ultimately falls victim to its own ambition, resulting in a viewing experience that may leave horror fans wanting more.