Sony’s loose adaptation of the PlayStation game has been met with a mixed response from critics, with a 50% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie has been criticized for deviating from its source material, and many reviewers have called it “boring” and disjointed, with some even labeling it a “missed opportunity.”
Deviation from Source Material
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The mixed reviews are not surprising, given the significant changes made to the original game. Critics have noted that the film mixes horror sub-genres and tropes in ways that don’t feel cohesive, resulting in a disjointed viewing experience. Many have praised the movie’s level of gore, however, with director david f. Sandberg opting for practical effects to create a more realistic and gruesome experience.
Reception by Reviewers
- ComicBook.com’s reviewer Evan Valentine gave the movie a score of 2 out of 5, stating that it was “a missed opportunity, unable to carve out its own identity or work within the original game universe.”
- Another critic, Scott Mendelson from Forbes, also criticized the film, saying that it “diverges too far from the source material” and that its attempts to be a “hybrid horror film” fall flat.
Praise for Gore and Practical Effects
“The gore is what really makes this movie stand out. It’s what makes it feel like a real horror film, and not just some watered-down, Hollywoodized version of what it could be.” – David F. Sandberg, Director
First Audience Impressions
First audience impressions for the movie were more positive, with many viewers enjoying the film’s gruesome and intense moments. This suggests that the film may appeal to a wider audience than initially thought.
Potential Market for the Movie
- The horror genre has seen significant success in theaters over the past few years, which could give Until Dawn an edge among theatergoers unfamiliar with the source material.
- The movie’s release date, just a week after Sinners and a month before Drop, may also work against it, as April is looking like a crowded month for R-rated horror movies.
Adjusting Sony’s Strategy
A successful video game adaptation requires a deep understanding of the source material and a clear vision for how to adapt it into a compelling narrative.
If Until Dawn does not prove to be a commercial success, it may prompt Sony to reevaluate its strategy when it comes to PlayStation adaptations. Movies like Uncharted and Gran Turismo have had little to do with the games that inspired them, and this trend may continue if the company does not make a concerted effort to better understand its source material.
Conclusion
Until Dawn’s mixed reviews and uncertain future highlight the challenges of adapting video games into successful films.