In a captivating trend, live-action adaptations of popular horror video games continue to gain traction, and one of the most anticipated among them is the film adaptation of Until Dawn. Originally released in 2015, this survival horror video game was developed by Supermassive Games, the talented studio also responsible for titles like House of Ashes and The Devil in Me.
The film adaptation introduces a fresh ensemble cast while honoring the game’s frightening lore. The movie features Ella Rubin as Clover, Michael Cimino as Max, Ji-Young Yoo as Megan, Belmont Cameli as Abe, and Odessa A’Zion as Nina. Although Clover’s story is central, each character is given ample opportunity to shine, enriching the narrative tapestry of the film.
ScreenRant’s Joe Deckelmeier had the chance to engage with the film’s cast and crew at WonderCon 2025. Director David F. Sandberg and writer/producer Gary Dauberman shared insights into the complexities involved in translating the beloved video game into a feature film, while the actors delved into the nuances of their roles and the shooting experience.
Adapting Until Dawn: Insights from the Filmmakers
“They Didn’t Just Take the Game and Try to Condense It”
Since its debut, Until Dawn has captivated gamers with its engagement and unique decision-making mechanics. However, such attributes also presented filmmakers with significant challenges. Dauberman, who co-wrote the screenplay with Blair Butler, explained, “The biggest challenge is that it’s already a cinematic experience when you’re playing the game.”
He posed the poignant question, “How do we provide the same thrills while ensuring the experience feels fresh?”Sandberg appreciated the thoughtful approach of the writers, stating, “They didn’t merely condense the game into a two-hour film; they managed to expand upon its essence.”This consideration reflects the story’s inherent replayability, where players encounter different outcomes and horrifying scenarios with each playthrough. The filmmakers ingeniously embraced a narrative method that allows for varied experiences, further adding complexity to the film.
Ella Rubin Discusses Her Character’s Emotional Journey
Matching Clover’s Emotional Highs and Lows
Ella Rubin portrays Clover, who serves as the emotional core of the film, traversing extreme emotional and physical transformations throughout the narrative. During a shoot in Budapest, Rubin reflected on the challenges of capturing Clover’s complexity. She noted, “The most emotionally challenging scene involved acknowledging my grief openly with Michael,”highlighting the significance of portraying authentic grief accurately, which is central to Clover’s journey.
Additionally, she spoke candidly about a physically demanding scene depicted in the trailer, where she emerges from the ground covered in dirt, stating, “I think I vomited a few times after we shouted cut.”This commitment to her role exemplifies the dedication required to authentically portray intense emotional experiences.
Character Dynamics: Spirituality and Detachment
“She Deeply Believes She’s Psychic”
The characters Megan and Nina, portrayed by Ji-Young Yoo and Odessa A’zion, present contrasting viewpoints in the film. Megan serves as the spiritual anchor of the group, driven by a goal to aid Clover in processing her grief. Yoo described Megan as someone who, despite being deemed untrustworthy by her peers, possesses a unique insight into the evolving horrors around them.
Conversely, Nina adopts a more skeptical approach. A’zion humorously depicted Nina’s emotional distance, noting a mix of exasperation and affection towards Clover’s struggles. “She loves Clover but is exhausted by the situation,”she elaborated, encapsulating Nina’s conflicting emotions as the group navigates escalating dread.
Exploration of Max and Clover’s Relationship
“He Feels Like He Lost the Person He Loves Most”
Max’s relationship with Clover profoundly influences his character development in Until Dawn. Cimino articulated how Max feels adrift, as he longs for the Clover he once knew. “He feels like he’s lost the person he loves the most, and she is fundamentally changed,”Cimino reflected.
However, their journey together leads to mutual growth, with Max discovering his own identity amid the chaos. “As Clover seeks to define herself again, Max learns to make decisions independently, which adds an engaging dynamic to the storyline,”he noted.
Belmont Cameli on Playing the Rational Archetype
“They Loved to Bully Me”
Belmont Cameli rounds out the cast as Abe, embodying the rational perspective often essential in horror narratives. Despite feeling somewhat on the outskirts of the group, Cameli described the experience as “extremely enjoyable.”He further elaborated on the dynamics, noting the tight-knit bond among the others and the contrasting energy he brought as Abe.
“Abe approaches challenges with logical reasoning,”he added, discussing how this clashes with Megan’s spiritual beliefs, providing a rich source of tension and humor. Cameli reflected on the playful atmosphere during filming, stating, “They loved to bully me, and I relished in it,”which contributed to making the shoot memorable.
Until Dawn is set to hit theaters on April 25, promising audiences an engaging blend of horror and character-driven storytelling.
Source: Screen Rant Plus