For many of us, video games are more than just entertainment — they’re a huge part of our life.
We step into the shoes of different characters, experience their triumphs and tragedies, and live through adventures that would be impossible in the real world. But for a long time, these stories were something we could only discuss with fellow gamers who had played the same titles.
That has changed in recent years. More and more games are being adapted into movies and TV shows, bringing these epic, emotional — and often terrifying — stories to a much broader audience, even those far removed from the world of gaming. The latest example? The upcoming film adaptation of Until Dawn, hitting theatres on April 25. Directed by David F. Sandberg, the film is based on the 2015 horror video game of the same name.
So, what do we know about it? How does the Until Dawn game vs movie compare — and which one deserves your attention first? Let’s find out.
Until Dawn Game 2015
Developed by Supermassive Games, Until Dawn is a narrative-driven action adventure with strong psychological horror vibes. The story follows a group of friends visiting a remote mountain lodge, Blackwood Mountain — the same place where, a year earlier, two sisters, Hannah and Beth, went missing after a cruel prank went horribly wrong.
Now, their brother Josh has invited the same group (plus a few new faces) back to the scene of the tragedy to find closure and heal old wounds.
But what starts out as a seemingly peaceful getaway quickly spirals into a nightmare. One by one, members of the group start dying under strange and terrifying circumstances.
In the game, we control different characters and make choices that determine who survives and who doesn’t. Every decision has major consequences. You might save everyone, or lose them all. It’s up to you — and that leads to multiple possible endings.
Until Dawn Movie 2025
Contrary to what many fans expected, the upcoming film is not a faithful adaptation of the game. Instead, it introduces a brand-new story set in the Until Dawn universe. But don’t worry — there are still plenty of familiar elements.
This time, we follow Clover, a sister desperate to find out what happened to her younger sibling Melanie, who mysteriously disappeared a year ago. Clover and her friends head to a secluded, off-the-grid valley where Melanie was last seen.
Of course, the trip quickly turns into a nightmare — sounds familiar? One by one, people begin to die, only to wake up again, alive and well… a few hours earlier. Yes, we’ve got a time loop.
Soon, it becomes clear that the group is stuck in a bizarre cycle — and each death gets them closer to uncovering the truth.
Until Dawn Differences & Similarities – Film vs Video Game Comparison
The most significant difference? The movie isn’t a direct adaptation of the game’s plot — it’s an original story within the same universe. But there are some cool connections.
For starters, the iconic character of Dr. Hill makes a return — played once again by Peter Stormare, just like in the game. According to the filmmakers, that’s just one of many nods fans can expect. You might even catch a glimpse of some of the game’s familiar monsters…
One major change is how death is handled. In the movie, characters can die in multiple different ways — and then reappear alive thanks to the time loop. That’s a major shift from the game, where a character’s death was final and shaped the rest of the story.
Still, it’s a clever move. After all, part of the game’s appeal is its interactivity — your decisions directly impact who lives and dies. In a movie, where you can’t control the outcome, showing different “variants” of the same events is a fun and creative way to echo that mechanic.
And then there’s the time loop itself — a concept absent from the game. It adds an eerie, sci-fi twist to a story already packed with monsters, masked killers, and mysteries. Seriously — who wants to relive the same terrifying night over and over again?
Why To Play Until Dawn?
So, which version is more worth your time — the game or the movie? Honestly, it depends on what you’re into. Some will prefer the cinematic experience, while others will gravitate toward the game. But here’s why we think playing the game is still a must:
The Until Dawn movie is more of a spin-off than a direct adaptation. Sure, you can watch it without having played the game — but if you have played it, you’ll spot references, connections, and Easter eggs that make the experience richer.
What gives the game a real edge, though, is player agency. While the movie shows different outcomes, you can’t influence them. In the game, your choices shape the story. You’re not just watching — you’re actively participating and determining the fate of each character.
Also worth mentioning? The game has a stellar cast. Although characters are digitally rendered, they’re modelled after real actors who also provided voice performances. You’ll see (and hear) familiar faces like Peter Stormare (Fargo, American Gods), Rami Malek (Mr. Robot, Bohemian Rhapsody), Brett Dalton (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Hayden Panettiere (Scream IV & VI), and Meaghan Martin (Mean Girls 2, The Good Mother).
Final thought?
The movie might keep you on the edge of your seat. But the game? It puts you in the middle of the nightmare. Ready to decide who makes it until dawn?
Source:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Until_Dawn_(film)
- https://www.polygon.com/horror/564049/until-dawn-movie-review-game-better