The highly anticipated horror film Until Dawn, directed by David F. Sandberg (Lights Out, Annabelle: Creation), is set to release in theaters on April 25, 2025. Based on the 2015 video game of the same name, the film offers a fresh narrative while retaining the game's chilling essence.
The story follows Clover (Ella Rubin) and her friends—Max (Michael Cimino), Nina (Odessa A'zion), Megan (Ji-young Yoo), and Abel (Belmont Cameli)—as they venture into a remote valley searching for Clover's missing sister, Melanie (Maia Mitchell). Their journey leads them to an abandoned visitor center, where they are brutally murdered by a masked killer, only to awaken and relive the same night repeatedly. Each loop introduces a new, more terrifying horror scenario, ranging from slasher to supernatural, body horror, found footage, and monstrous threats. This innovative approach allows the film to explore various horror subgenres, providing a unique experience for viewers.
Peter Stormare reprises his role as Dr. Alan J. Hill from the original game, serving as a mysterious figure who warns the group of impending doom. The film's time-loop mechanic adds a layer of complexity, as the characters have a limited number of "do-overs" before facing permanent death. This constraint heightens the tension, forcing the group to work together to survive until dawn.
Director David F. Sandberg and co-writer Blair Butler aimed to create an R-rated love letter to the horror genre. Sandberg stated, "Every night, every time it resets, it's a new horror genre... We get pretty much all of it in here—slasher, supernatural, body horror, found footage, even monsters" . This approach allows the film to pay homage to classic horror tropes while delivering a fresh, unpredictable narrative.
The film's production took place in Budapest from August to October 2024, with cinematography by Maxime Alexandre and a score composed by Benjamin Wallfisch. The marketing campaign included a first-look featurette and trailers that showcased the film's genre-blending concept and time-loop mechanic. While some fans expressed concerns about the film deviating from the game's original storyline, early reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, praising its inventive take on the source material .
Until Dawn promises to be a thrilling addition to the horror genre, offering audiences a unique cinematic experience that challenges traditional storytelling. With its blend of horror subgenres, time-loop narrative, and homage to the original game, the film is poised to captivate both fans of the game and newcomers alike.
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