Until Dawn (2025): A Gripping Time-Loop Horror Adaptation
Until Dawn (2025) is a survival horror film directed by David F. Sandberg, adapted from the 2015 video game of the same name. The film introduces a new storyline within the game’s universe, focusing on a group of friends trapped in a deadly time loop.
🧟♂️ Plot Summary
One year after her sister Melanie’s mysterious disappearance, Clover (Ella Rubin) and her friends venture into the remote Glore Valley to uncover the truth. Their search leads them to an abandoned visitor center, where they encounter a masked killer and are gruesomely murdered. However, they awaken to find themselves reliving the same night. Each cycle presents new horrors, and their only escape is to survive until dawn.
🎭 Cast & Characters
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Ella Rubin as Clover
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Michael Cimino as Max
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Odessa A’zion as Nina
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Ji-young Yoo as Megan
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Belmont Cameli as Abel
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Maia Mitchell as Melanie
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Peter Stormare as Dr. Alan J. Hill
🎬 Production Details
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Director: David F. Sandberg
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Writers: Gary Dauberman and Blair Butler
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Cinematography: Maxime Alexandre
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Music: Benjamin Wallfisch
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Production Companies: Screen Gems, PlayStation Productions, Vertigo Entertainment
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Distributor: Sony Pictures Releasing
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Runtime: 103 minutes
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Language: English
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Budget: $15 million
🗓️ Release Information
Until Dawn premiered in U.S. theaters on April 25, 2025. As a Sony production, it is expected to stream on Netflix around July to August 2025, following Sony’s distribution deal with the platform.
🧠 Critical Reception
Critics have offered mixed reviews:
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The Guardian noted the film’s polished direction but criticized its lack of originality and emotional depth.
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Polygon highlighted the film’s initial inventive horror set-pieces but felt it became tedious due to convoluted world-building.
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Meristation appreciated the film’s creative interpretation of the source material, despite limited emotional connection with characters.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 62% approval rating based on 42 reviews, with an average rating of 5.8/10.
Until Dawn offers a fresh take on the horror genre, blending time-loop mechanics with classic slasher elements. While it may not satisfy all fans of the original game, it provides an engaging cinematic experience for horror enthusiasts.