When the 2025 adaptation of Until Dawn was announced, fans of the 2015 video game were consumed with equal parts excitement and apprehension. Could David F. Sandberg (Lights Out, Annabelle Creation) successfully recreate the spine-tingling atmosphere of the game? And would this time-loop horror-thriller live up to its source material while carving its own path in the horror genre? With a blend of suspense, gore, and a sprinkling of nostalgia, Until Dawn attempts to answer these questions. Here’s our in-depth review of the much-anticipated film. SSRmovies.
Until Dawn (2025)
IMDb: 6.0/10 || Size: See below ▼ ||
Genres: Drama, Horror
Director: David F. Sandberg
Writers: Blair Butler, Gary Dauberman
Stars: Ella Rubin, Michael Cimino, Odessa A’zion
A group of friends trapped in a time loop, where mysterious foes chase and kill them in gruesome ways, must survive until dawn to escape it.
Read our full spoiler-free review below.
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Until Dawn 2025 Movie Review
A Spin on the Familiar Plot
Set on the backdrop of the popular video game, Until Dawn brings a fresh standalone story while staying loyal to its chilling roots. The plot revolves around Clover (Ella Rubin) and her group of friends, including Max (Michael Cimino), Nina (Odessa A’zion), and others, as they venture into the remote Glore Valley to uncover the truth behind Clover’s missing sister, Melanie. But their simple search warps into a never-ending nightmare as they’re trapped in an eerie time loop.
Each loop brings a new and gruesome death sequence, with the group forced to face various sinister threats—from supernatural forces to physical attackers. The only way out? Survive until dawn. This clever twist on déjà vu offers viewers a multi-genre horror experience all within a single film. But did it hit the mark, or fade into the crowd of horror adaptations?
Cast and Characters
A notable strength of Until Dawn lies in its ensemble cast, helmed by Ella Rubin as the determined yet vulnerable Clover. Rubin brings emotional depth to the character, seamlessly switching between anguish, resolve, and fear. Opposite her, Michael Cimino delivers a layered performance as Max, the cocky yet likable ex-boyfriend caught in the chaos.
Odessa A’zion shines as Nina, adding gravitas to the emotional interplay between the group. Other notable mentions include Peter Stormare’s reprise as the enigmatic Dr. Hill, whose ominous presence enhances the psychological tension. Yet, it’s Ji-young Yoo as Megan who steals many scenes, offering perhaps the most compelling and memorable character arc in the film.
That said, while the main cast performances capture attention, some of the secondary characters fall into predictable archetypes, diluting the film’s emotional impact.
Direction and Writing
Bringing Until Dawn to screen was no small feat, and David F. Sandberg deserves credit for crafting a visually rich atmosphere. His affinity for eerie, isolated settings mixed with foreboding silence works wonders in recreating the dread of the video game. The time-loop mechanic, a critical part of the story, is utilized well, generating a dreaded sense of mortality and hopelessness.
The screenplay by Gary Dauberman and Blair Butler is a mixed bag. While the dialogue is serviceable, it occasionally leans on cliched horror tropes. Narratively, the film suffers from tonal inconsistency, oscillating between over-the-top gore and attempts at emotional depth, without fully excelling in either.
Fans of the game will appreciate the subtle nods and Easter eggs sprinkled throughout the film, but it’s clear that this adaptation aims to stand independently from its source material.
Visual and Audio Mastery
Maxime Alexandre’s cinematography delivers a haunting visual experience, with dim lighting and fog-laden landscapes adding to the tension. He effectively captures the claustrophobic interiors of the visitor center and the sheer terror of the dark forest.
The score by Benjamin Wallfisch elevates the film in many ways. From the eerie whistling melodies that echo Dr. Hill’s presence to the jarring crescendos punctuating death scenes, the music amplifies the thrill and suspense.
However, the CGI occasionally falters, especially in the depiction of supernatural entities. For a production budget of $15 million, the effects fall short of the polish expected, sometimes breaking the viewer’s immersion.
Exploring Themes
Beyond the bloodshed lies a narrative packed with deeper themes. At its core, Until Dawn explores the consequences of our choices, friendship under duress, and the psychological torment of guilt and grief. It also examines the tension between survival instincts and moral boundaries. These elements add layers to the otherwise straightforward horror-thriller, though their impact is unevenly distributed throughout the runtime.
Critical and Audience Reception
Until Dawn has earned mixed reviews. On IMDb, the film maintains a modest 6.0/10 rating, reflective of its divisive reception. Critics have praised its creativity, with outlets like The Guardian commending the cast and concept, while others, such as Rotten Tomatoes, criticize the pacing and character development.
Financially, the film grossed $49.8 million globally, modestly surpassing its $15 million budget. While not a blockbuster, it performed well among horror enthusiasts, particularly those with a connection to the game.
For casual moviegoers, the film’s blend of time-loop mechanics and genre-bending appeal may intrigue. However, for die-hard fans of the original, it may not provide the level of nostalgic payoff they were hoping for.
How Does It Compare?
Cinematically, Until Dawn draws comparisons to Happy Death Day for its time-loop horror and The Cabin in the Woods for its meta-commentary on the genre. Yet, where those films confidently balance humor, suspense, and fear, Until Dawn sometimes stumbles under its ambitions.
Its homage to gory, creatively staged deaths echoes Final Destination films, elevating tension in moments but occasionally sacrificing coherence for shock value.
Should You Watch Until Dawn?
Until Dawn succeeds in offering a fresh spin on horror while honoring its video game origins. Although it may not fully capture the brilliance of the game, its haunting visuals, clever story beats, and stellar cast performances make it a worthwhile watch for horror fans seeking something different.
If you’re a fan of the original game or a lover of time-loop thrillers, there’s enough here to pique your interest. Have you survived Until Dawn? Watch it and share your thoughts!
