My quick rating - 3.7/10. I was given the chance to watch this flick, directed by Nicolas Wendl, which spins a tale of a dinner party gone awry, where a young woman’s attempt to assess a one-night stand leads her and her friends to the unleashing of a malevolent force. Despite an intriguing premise and a few sparks of potential, the film ultimately struggles to deliver a satisfying experience. The story’s setup initially holds promise. A candle-lit dinner party setting combined with the mysterious series of tasks and challenges suggests a mix of social tension and supernatural intrigue. However, the execution falls flat. The narrative takes far too long to gain momentum, and even when it does, the stakes feel remarkably tame. The lack of clear rules or purpose behind the events diminishes any sense of urgency or consequence, making the "game" feel inconsequential. Characterization is another weak point. With a total of six characters, only Stanley (Grant Terzakis) manages to stand out as a noteworthy presence. The rest are forgettable and lack any meaningful development, coming across as little more than cardboard cutouts. This lack of compelling characters makes it difficult to invest emotionally in the unfolding events or their outcomes. One of the better aspects of the film is its atmospheric setting. The candle-lit ambiance and occasional background creep factor add a layer of moodiness that hints at what could have been a truly eerie experience (you can thank Wendl for that, I am sure). Unfortunately, these moments are few and far between, leaving you wanting more in terms of suspense and horror. The horror elements, while present, are ultimately underwhelming. There’s a noticeable lack of consequences for the characters’ losses or actions, which severely undercuts any tension. Without meaningful stakes, the horror feels diluted and fails to leave a lasting impact. While I appreciate the opportunity to watch Stupid Games and acknowledge director Nicolas Wendl’s efforts, the film falls short of its potential. With a more focused narrative, stronger character development, and higher stakes, this could have been a memorable entry in the supernatural thriller genre. As it stands, it’s a mildly atmospheric but largely bland experience.
Got some freebie options to watch this one along with Amazon prime.
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