Until Dawn (2025) Review
The Story
Clover (Ella Rubin) travels with her friends to Glore Valley in search of answers about her missing sister, Melanie. What begins as a simple trip turns into a nightmare when the group becomes trapped in a repeating time loop. Each reset forces them to face new horrors, from masked killers to witches and Wendigos. With each death reducing their chances of survival, the only goal is to endure until dawn and break free from the cycle.
Key Performances
Ella Rubin stands out with a performance that balances vulnerability and determination, carrying the emotional weight of the story. Michael Cimino, Odessa A’zion, Ji-young Yoo, and Belmont Cameli provide energy, though their roles remain thinly sketched. Peter Stormare reprises his role as Dr. Hill from the video game, adding a chilling psychological layer that fans will appreciate.
Direction and Visuals
David F. Sandberg approaches the adaptation with ambition, blending multiple horror styles across the film’s looping structure. Each restart introduces a distinct tone, shifting from slasher to supernatural horror. The production design is atmospheric, and creature effects showcase inventive detail. While visually engaging, the film lacks a consistent style that might have unified its many influences.
Thematic Depth
The time-loop device presents intriguing possibilities, but the repetition begins to dilute its impact. Themes of trauma, survival, and manipulation emerge, yet most characters fail to develop beyond archetypes. The film flirts with deeper psychological horror through Dr. Hill’s experiments but often leans back into spectacle over substance.
Final Verdict
Pros:
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Creative time-loop horror structure with varied threats
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Ella Rubin’s strong performance provides emotional grounding
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Effective creature design and practical scares
Cons:
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Character development remains shallow
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Repetition weakens narrative momentum
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Storytelling occasionally feels overcrowded and unfocused
Overall: Until Dawn (2025) delivers a mix of thrills and chaos, offering an inventive but uneven spin on the beloved video game. It succeeds as a genre-blending horror ride, though the lack of character depth and repetitive structure keep it from reaching its full potential.