Movie Reviews: Until Dawn & Rider

As a longtime horror fan, I rarely miss a chance to catch something scary on the big screen—especially when it's an adaptation of a game. Until Dawn had that extra layer of intrigue simply because game-to-movie horror adaptations are a tricky business. Translating atmospheric gameplay and suspenseful choices into a film is a challenge, and I went in curious to see if it would deliver.

The movie starts strong with a premise that promises chaos, fear, and maybe some psychological twists. But as it unfolded, it felt like a lot of potential got buried beneath familiar tropes. The jumpscares came heavy, and while I usually welcome a bit of that, here it felt more like a shortcut than something that genuinely builds terror. And by the time the credits rolled, I was left with more questions than answers—some likely by design, possibly teasing a sequel, or perhaps it was just because I’m unfamiliar with the original video game lore. Either way, I left feeling a little unsatisfied.

The cast, though not made up of household names, did what they needed to. Their performances were serviceable, and in a film like this, that’s enough. The one thing I did enjoy was the idea that every time the characters “came back,” they faced a whole new kind of horror. It’s an eerie concept, and I wish the film leaned more into that variety instead of falling back on tired zombie gore and overdone scare tactics.

Ultimately, Until Dawn isn’t a bad movie—it’s just not a memorable one. I appreciated the blood, the tension, and the sense of dread, but I didn’t walk out with much beyond that. Maybe fans of the game will see more meaning in it. For me, it was a decent watch for gore lovers but lacked the bite I was hoping for.

Rating: 5/10

I caught Rider at the cinema because, as always, I believe movies are best experienced on the big screen—especially when it comes to horror. Being a lifelong horror fan, I’m always on the lookout for the next scare. Thai horror, in particular, has never disappointed me with its creativity, and this time they threw comedy into the mix—two of my top genres, so I was instantly sold.

The balance between horror and comedy in Rider is that classic Thai formula—scaring the life out of you one minute and making you burst out laughing the next. It’s such a joy to watch that kind of emotional rollercoaster. That said, I think the movie might have benefited from an anthology-style approach. The title Rider suggests a broader scope, maybe exploring different delivery riders going through their own supernatural experiences. Instead, it leaned heavily into a family conflict subplot, which felt a little out of sync with what I expected. The reasoning behind everything that happens in the film was also a bit questionable—not exactly a dealbreaker, but definitely something that made me go, “Hmm…”

Still, the three leads carried the film with ease. Their chemistry was effortless, and they brought a lot of heart and humour to the screen, making the movie feel relatable and grounded amidst all the chaos.

Overall, it’s not a mind-blowing horror comedy, but it is an enjoyable ride if you’re looking for something light-hearted with a bit of a bite after a long week.

Rating: 6/10