Director David F. Sandberg is back in his comfort zone: a remote cabin in the woods filled with terrifying monsters.

Director David F. Sandberg returns to the horror genre with his latest film, "Until Dawn," which adapts the acclaimed PlayStation game of the same name. After two successful entries in the superhero genre with the "Shazam!" series, Sandberg seems eager to revisit his roots as a horror filmmaker. The film follows a group of young adults, led by Clover (Ella Rubin), as they navigate a terrifying loop of deaths and supernatural threats in a remote valley. Critics have pointed out that the adaptation's script struggles to bring the gaming experience's intricate choice dynamics to the screen, losing the essence of what made the game special. While the film showcases a mix of horror tropes, including masked killers and unsettling supernatural elements, it fails to develop its characters adequately, often resorting to clichés found in the slasher genre. The film's structure, leveraging a time-loop mechanic, initially appears innovative but falters as it progresses, becoming a mix of predictable horror sequences without substantial depth or character development. Critics have expressed disappointment at Sandberg's reliance on cheap jump scares and gore without crafting the emotional weight seen in more successful adaptations. Despite this, audiences might find enjoyment in the film’s gory spectacle and familiar horror elements, suggesting a divide between critical reception and general audience enjoyment. With a budget of $15 million, the film's box office performance may determine its ultimate reception and potential sequel prospects. It’s evident that while there’s a desire for quality adaptations of video games, "Until Dawn" may not be the film that meets those heightened expectations.