The survival horror film Until Dawn, based on the popular video game, will debut online on July 24, 2025, exclusively on Netflix. The movie, which originally hit theaters on April 25, 2025, follows a group of friends trapped in a deadly time loop while searching for a missing sister.
Directed by David F. Sandberg (Lights Out, Annabelle: Creation), the film stars Ella Rubin, Michael Cimino, Odessa A’zion, Ji-young Yoo, and Belmont Cameli. Peter Stormare reprises his role as Dr. Hill from the original game.
Storyline and Time Loop Mechanic
The plot centers on Clover (Ella Rubin) and her friends, who investigate the disappearance of her sister Melanie in the eerie mining town of Glore Valley. After being killed by a masked assailant, they wake up to relive the same night repeatedly. With only 13 attempts to survive until dawn, they must uncover the secrets behind the time loop or vanish forever.
The film introduces new threats each night, including wendigos, a possessed killer, and supernatural forces. Unlike the game, the movie features an original story but keeps key elements like Dr. Hill’s experiments and the butterfly effect choices.
“The movie is going to be full of fresh characters and victims in a brand-new story, loaded with twists. So whether you’re a longtime fan or you’re discovering it for the first time, get ready for Until Dawn like you’ve never seen it before.”
— Peter Stormare
Cast and Characters
- Ella Rubin as Clover, determined to find her missing sister.
- Michael Cimino as Max, Clover’s ex-boyfriend.
- Odessa A’zion as Nina, Clover’s best friend.
- Ji-young Yoo as Megan, Max’s stepsister.
- Belmont Cameli as Abe, Nina’s boyfriend.
- Maia Mitchell as Melanie, Clover’s vanished sister.
- Peter Stormare as Dr. Hill, the sinister psychologist.
Release Details and Where to Watch
After earning $53.6 million globally against a $15 million budget, Until Dawn will stream on Netflix starting July 24, 2025. Viewers can watch it with a Netflix subscription:
- Standard with ads: $7.99/month
- Standard (ad-free): $17.99/month
- Premium: $24.99/month
The movie is also available for rent ($5.99) or purchase ($12.99) on Apple TV and Amazon Video.
Fan and Critic Reactions
The film holds a 53% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes but a stronger 67% audience score. Some fans of the game criticized the movie for not following the original plot, while others praised its fresh take and intense horror sequences.
“I enjoyed not knowing what the threat was going to be next. It’s a fun movie, and that’s the point.”
— IMDb user review
Behind-the-Scenes and Director’s Vision
Shot in Budapest over two months, the film blends practical effects for gore with some CGI. Director David F. Sandberg aimed to honor the game’s spirit without rehashing its story.
“The game is pretty much a 10-hour movie, so I think it wouldn’t have been as interesting for me if we were doing just the game, because then it’s going to be like a cut-down, non-interactive version.”
— David F. Sandberg
The ending hints at a possible sequel, teasing a snowy cabin and Dr. Hill’s return.
Credits: Sources include IMDb, Wikipedia, PlayStation Blog, and Netflix announcements.
