Directed by David F. Sandberg (Lights Out 2016, Shazam 2019), Until Dawn is a suspenseful new Horror Thriller that traps a group of friends in a terrifying time loop, where they are relentlessly hunted and killed in gruesome ways—only to wake up and face it all over again. The ensemble cast delivers standout performances, particularly Ella Rubin (Anora 2024, The Idea of You 2024) as Clover, Michael Cimino (Love Victor Series series, Senior Year 2022) as Max, Odessa A’zion (Hellraiser 2022, Fresh Kills 2023) as Nina, and Ji-young Yoo (Freaky Tales 2024, Moxie 2021) as Megan. Another entry in the time loop sub-genre, Until Dawn brings a fresh dose of dread and momentum, blending slasher brutality with Sci-Fi mechanics to keep its characters and the audience on edge.
Distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing and hitting theaters on April 25, 2025, the experience of Until Dawn may vary depending on whether you are expecting a true adaptation of the video game or watching it without that frame of reference. This article comes from the perspective of someone unfamiliar with the game.
Until Dawn is not groundbreaking in its approach to the Slasher formula; however, it delivers enough style, suspense, and unique situations to keep the experience engaging. While it treads familiar territory with its masked killers and scared college kids, the film leans into its strengths—solid performances, brisk pacing, and inventive kills—to carve out its own space in the genre.
Reminiscent of the inventive creativity seen in The Final Destination series, Sandberg approaches the kills in Until Dawn with a fun and imaginative flair, crafting sequences that are both gruesome and visually striking, keeping viewers both shocked and entertained. The effective use of practical effects grounds these moments in a palpable reality, making them all the more frightening and impactful for an audience already on edge.
The tone strikes a careful balance between intense suspense and moments of humor, with well-timed levity providing occasional laughs that help break up the tension. These shifts in tension maintain a high level of anxiety and sustain the mystery of what threat will emerge next. While the individual performances are compelling, the film struggles with a common issue in ensemble Horror: a noticeable lack of chemistry among the friend group, which undercuts the emotional stakes and camaraderie the story relies on. This disconnect makes it harder for the audience to fully invest in their survival, weakening the impact of their peril and the urgency of their relationships.
Despite the lack of chemistry among the cast, the film’s effective jump scares, atmospheric set design, and satisfyingly gory kills help sustain momentum and deliver a consistently entertaining ride for horror fans. In an era where Horror often leans heavily into trauma and grief as thematic anchors, Until Dawn feels like a refreshing return to form, embracing its campy, blood-soaked premise without overreaching for emotional depth it does not fully earn. The lack of a clear ‘why’ behind the story’s events may leave some viewers feeling unsatisfied, but those open to having some gory fun will walk away satisfied.
Ultimately, Until Dawn offers a solid mix of thrills and chills that, while not reinventing the genre, proves an enjoyable addition to the time loop and Slasher sub-genres—perfect for viewers looking for a tense, fast-paced Horror experience with a dash of dark humor. That is why Cryptic Rock gives Until Dawn 3 out of 5 stars.
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