Sandberg's Return to Horror: Until Dawn (2025) Review

I'm done with death. 

Trapped in a death loop, dying night after night — could anything be more terrifying? At least it should be. Yet, the terror is the main thing missing in Sony's latest game adaptation.

Until Dawn is about a group of friends who end up trapped in a house where they must survive until dawn to be released. The film stars Ella Rubin, Odessa A'zion, Michael Cimino, Belmont Cameli, Ji-young Yoo, and Peter Stormare. Directed by David F. Sandberg (Lights Out), known for his well-crafted scares and storytelling, the film serves as his return to horror after working on Shazaam!. But is it the return he deserves?

Written by Gary Dauberman (It, Annabelle Creation) and Blair Butler (The Invitation, Hell Fest), Until Dawn follows Clover, Max, Nina, Abe, and Megan, who are retracing Clover's sister, Melanie's, steps after she went missing a year before. The film introduces us to the main characters in the exact spot she was last seen, a gas station outside of Glore Valley-- the town where people seem to go missing. We are able to deduce from its stiff dialogue and of course, cuddling that Nina and Abe are a new couple, Clover and Max are an ex-couple and Megan is a psychic. Once Clover goes inside to ask about her sister, the gas station attendant (Peter Stormare), directs her to the town up the road, where they find themselves stuck in a death loop unless they can survive until dawn. 

David F. Sandberg on set via Screen Gems

Each night, the group faces something new. In an interview with Bloody Disgusting, Sandberg talks about his use of practical effects and they are enough to make this film worth watching. This is one that will definitely be known for its kills. Outside of its bloody scenes and creative monster designs, there's not much holding this film together. The performances, dialogue, and plot are serviceable, but they don't leave a lasting impression. 

Sandberg has the recipe for anther teen horror movie and injects it with top tier practical effects and a unique take on the game's lore. While Until Dawn offers enough blood and creature thrills to keep horror fans engaged, it ultimately doesn't leave much of an impression. It's a decent watch for a casual night in — just don't expect it to stick with you.