‘Until Dawn’ Can Succeed Even When Straying From Its Source Material

It can be challenging to adapt a great narrative from one media to another because writers have to strike a balance between the need to modify the content for a new format and fan expectations. When it comes to video game adaptations, like the impending ‘Until Dawn’ movie, this difficulty is especially noticeable. Although fans of the 2015 horror video game might anticipate a straightforward adaptation, there are issues with the producers’ decision to alter the characters and environment. History has demonstrated, therefore, that even when this type of adaptation deviates from the source material, it can nevertheless be successful. ‘World War Z’ is a good example; although being very different from Max Brooks’ book, it was nevertheless a hit.

Many fans were excited to see the novel’s distinctive format—an oral narrative of a zombie apocalypse—transferred to the big screen when ‘World War Z’ was first announced. The 2013 movie, on the other hand, focused on Brad Pitt’s character, Gerry Lane, and took a more conventional action-oriented approach. Despite early criticism for this change, the film ultimately became successful, gaining plaudits for its exciting action and tempo and making over $540 million worldwide. This demonstrates how deviating from the original work may foster creativity and result in success.

Image Courtesy: The New York Times

The core of what made ‘Until Dawn’ so unique—its interactivity—would be lost in a direct film adaptation. The player’s ability to make choices that affect the plot is what makes the game so captivating. This cannot be replicated in a film, but by emphasizing character-driven terror, tension, and high stakes, it may still convey the essence of the game. The ‘Until Dawn’ movie may freely explore these ideas in new ways by introducing new places and people, making it an exciting experience for both gaming enthusiasts and newbies.

Furthermore, a looser interpretation allows a wider audience to understand the story. Despite the widespread popularity of video games, not everyone has played ‘Until Dawn’. Without sacrificing the core of the brand, a stand-alone narrative can appeal to horror fans who are unfamiliar with the game. This strategy might potentially spark new interest in the game and expose it to a completely different audience. The ‘Until Dawn’ movie has the potential to be a success on its own terms, recreating the original tale while maintaining its essential elements, much like ‘World War Z’.

–Farheen Ali 

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