Stupid Games (2024)

Didn't know what to expect when I hit play, but all the trailers and artwork I'd been seeing online made me want to watch this film the second it hit a streaming service. It did not disappoint. The story was fun and ominous, the characters all had distinct voices and characteristics, and the visuals were so reminiscent of the 80s and 90s movies like The Craft and Jumanji. I wish we could have seen more of the *WILL NOT SPOIL WHAT* that happens in the movie, but overall this is a solid indie horror film made on a tiny budget! Bravo!!

Co-directors Nicolas Wendl and Dani Abraham put forth a ton of effort with their indie horror film “Stupid Games,” a solid genre entry that has a decent story, relatable characters, and a hook that’s both classic and fresh. This isn’t a slick and highly polished movie by any means, but the charmingly amateurish performances from the cast and a setup that feels familiar make this homegrown horror comfortable and fun.

Jaxon (Saad Rolando) and Rex (Gage Robinson) are two bros with a primary objective: getting laid. Jaxon is excited that his dream of a one night stand is really going to happen when his friend Celeste (Alyssa Tortomasi) invites the guys over for drinks, dinner, and game night. She’s asked her best friends Riley (Cass Huckabay) and Mia (Ashwini Ganpule) to join, but the boys get a lot more than they bargained for when the group unknowingly unleash a malevolent force that’s thirsty for blood.

It’s a simple idea for a movie, but Wendl and Abraham keep things interesting. It takes over an hour for the suspense and horror to finally kick in, with exposition and character development making up the majority of the film’s run time. The dialogue is natural and unforced, setting the stage for the film’s darker final act, with escalating tension and a shift towards the ominous. It requires some patience as the directors lay the groundwork, but it’s worth sticking it out because the ending is oh-so-satisfying.

“Stupid Games” is an enjoyable watch because the storytelling is done so well. If you’re a fan of the genre and appreciate the quirks of indie horror, this one is definitely worth your time.

By: Louisa Moore / SCREEN ZEALOTS