Until Dawn Movie Review: A Gory Time-Loop Horror That Struggles to Shine

A Time-Loop Nightmare in Glore Valley

A Refreshing Focus on Friendship

One of the standout aspects of Until Dawn is its portrayal of genuine camaraderie among the characters. Unlike many slasher films where characters feel like archetypes thrown together this group feels authentic. Their shared history and loyalty shine through as they refuse to abandon each other despite the escalating horrors. The emotional core of Clover’s quest to find her sister adds depth making their struggle more relatable and engaging. This emphasis on friendship makes the stakes feel personal even amidst the over-the-top gore.

Creative and Gory Kills

For horror fans who revel in graphic violence Until Dawn delivers in spades. The film doesn’t shy away from its R-rated roots offering a smorgasbord of gruesome deaths exploding bodies, sliced throats, impalings and even a face-smashing sledgehammer scene. The practical effects are a highlight lending a visceral tactile quality to the carnage that CGI struggles to replicate. Each loop introduces new killers and death sequences keeping the gore fresh and unpredictable. A particularly memorable moment involves water triggering explosive reactions a creative twist that echoes Scanners and adds a fun, absurd edge to the horror.

Strong Performances

The cast led by Ella Rubin brings emotional weight to an otherwise chaotic narrative. Rubin portrays Clover’s vulnerability and determination with nuance, making her a compelling protagonist. Michael Cimino’s Max adds a layer of romantic tension while Ji-young Yoo’s Megan stands out with her understated psychic abilities. The diverse ensembl featuring Jewish Mexican Puerto Rican White European and Korean American actor adds authenticity and relatability reflecting a modern inclusive group dynamic.

A Playful Nod to Horror Tropes

Until Dawn embraces its horror roots, blending slasher, supernatural, and time-loop elements with a knowing wink. Director David F. Sandberg known for Lights Out and Shazam! infuses the film with a campy energy that works best when it leans into its absurdity. The changing threats in each loop masked killers zombies wendigos and even a mad scientist create a dynamic unpredictable vibe that keeps viewers guessing. For fans of the genre these nods to classics like Cabin in the Woods and The Descent are a treat even if they don’t always coalesce into a cohesive whole.

Weaknesses of Until Dawn: Where It Falls Short

A Disjointed Narrative

Despite its promising premise Until Dawn struggles to maintain a coherent storyline. The time-loop mechanic, while intriguing feels underutilised. Each cycle is meant to introduce new horror styles but the transitions are clunky, and the loops often feel repetitive rather than innovative. A mid-film twist involving a time jump and memory loss disrupts the narrative flow leaving viewers confused about the rules of the loop and the characters’ motivations. The introduction of a psychologist orchestrating the events adds an unnecessary layer of complexity undermining the simplicity of the survival-driven plot.

Pacing and Rhythm Issues

The film’s pacing is a significant drawback. Scenes drag in places, particularly when the script attempts to delve into Clover’s psychological struggles. While her emotional backstory is essential, the transitions between action and introspection are jarring, slowing the momentum. Critics have noted awkward editing choices such as characters moving through spaces at inconsistent speeds which disrupt the film’s rhythm. These issues make the 90-minute runtime feel longer than it should especially for a fast-paced horror flick.

Underdeveloped Visual Style

Maxime Alexandre’s cinematography has been criticised for its flat, under-lit aesthetic, which fails to capture the atmospheric dread of the video game. The game’s snowy isolated Blackwood Mountain setting was a character in itself but the film’s Glore Valley feels generic and lacks visual distinction. The reliance on jump scares over sustained tension further diminishes the horror making it feel like a missed opportunity to elevate the source material.

Disconnect from the Source Material

For fans of the Until Dawn video game the movie’s loose adaptation may be a letdown. While it incorporates Easter eggs and the time-loop concept, it deviates significantly from the game’s “butterfly effect” narrative where player choices shape the outcome. The film’s original story feels like a generic horror movie with the Until Dawn name slapped on ignoring the game’s rich mythology crafted by writers Larry Fessenden and Graham Reznick. This disconnect has sparked mixed reactions with some fans appreciating the fresh take and others feeling it betrays the source material.

Cultural Relevance and Appeal in India

In the Indian context Until Dawn may resonate with younger audiences who enjoy Hollywood horror films and are familiar with the video game. The themes of friendship and loyalty align with Indian values of collectivism making the characters’ bond a relatable anchor. However the extreme gore and supernatural elements may not appeal to all viewers particularly those who prefer Bollywood’s blend of horror with emotional drama or mythology. The film’s diverse cast could attract urban Indian audiences accustomed to global cinema but its niche appeal as a game adaptation may limit its mainstream success.

For Indian horror fans the time-loop concept offers a fresh twist, but the lack of cultural specificity or local references might make it feel distant compared to homegrown hits like Tumbbad or Bulbbul. Still the film’s high-energy kills and campy tone could find a cult following among genre enthusiasts in cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru where horror fandom is growing.

A Bloody but Flawed Horror Romp

Until Dawn (2025) is a mixed bag a gory, ambitious horror film that captures the spirit of its video game inspiration but stumbles in execution. Its strengths lie in its likable cast creative kills and heartfelt depiction of friendship but it’s weighed down by a muddled narrative uneven pacing, and a lackluster visual style. For horror fans it’s a fun bloody ride that doesn’t take itself too seriously but those expecting a faithful adaptation or a tightly crafted story may be disappointed.

If you’re a fan of slasher films or enjoyed the Until Dawn game this movie is worth a watch for its campy thrills and gorefest moments. However casual viewers may find its chaotic plot and repetitive loops hard to endure. Catch it in theatres or stream it for a spooky night in but temper your expectations.