Synopsis:
When a childhood prank goes wrong, four strangers are forced to relive a cruel game at the hands of a masked psychopath.
If you have ever bullied someone or are thinking about it, you better watch your hindquarters because some people never forget. You never know what people are capable of and as the saying goes, hurt people, hurt people. The Dare can be viewed as a cautionary tale if you’d like it to be or the ultimate revenge story, pick your poison. Either way, it makes you choose a side where all parties involved are in the wrong. However, I believe many of us end up on the side of the one wielding the weapon, for multiple reasons. Just think about a person being the product of a traumatic bullying situation and Stockholm syndrome with revenge on the brain. While the approach feasts at the same table as the Saw franchise, the route it takes is very different. The movie is just as much about the villain’s turmoil as it is about the victim’s turmoil. Then again, it begs the question, who is the real victim and who is the real villain?
The storyline isn’t inherently predictable, it actually feels pretty unique after the first act. Additionally, if you’re not a fan of gory horror then this may not be the movie for you. There are multiple moments where I shouted, “Oh shit!” and almost had to look away. As a horror fan, that was a plus for me since I don’t cringe often. The ambiance and tone of the film are perfect. It’s dark, it’s dirty, and it’s hellish. The story is intense and intriguing and left some unanswered questions which could lead to a sequel. Plus, the mask that is used is pretty gruesome and every horror franchise needs a cool and terrifying mask. I thought the cast was great, Bart Edwards and Richard Brake constantly pop up in media I’ve consumed as of late and it’s all been great. The storyline plays out in a satisfying way, even if I was a tad bit confused in the beginning. Overall, it’s definitely a film that is now a part of my go-to horror catalog. Its rewatchability is high.
Plot & Pace
The story follows Jay, a father of two, and husband after he is abducted from his house and wakes up in a dirt-covered dungeon. As he regains consciousness, he realizes he is chained to the wall along with three others, one of which is covered in blood and open wounds. After rounds of torture, Jay figures out that the events have a pattern to them and he can use his newfound knowledge to escape and return to his family. The subplot follows a boy that is being raised by a sadistic man that is not his father. After being told his parents have abandoned him, he now has nowhere to go and is coerced into staying and enduring abuse that is disguised as love. The film’s pace works well with its story. Neither one outruns the other.
Characters & Chemistry
The cast was on point. Richard Brake never disappoints. Brake plays Credence, a sadistic slaughterhouse operator that has a funny way of expressing his love. Dominic (Robert Maaser) is troubled person with revenge on his mind. Maaser really sold the mental anguish the character experienced thought his life. Jay (Bart Edwards) was stubborn and selfish. He’s the one that causes you to yell at the screen because of his actions. His dysfunction chemistry with Kat (Alexandra Evans) and Adam (Richard Short) shines through because Jay kind of an asshole.
The Dare is available on VOD and DVD. Enjoy and stay safe.
Director: Giles Alderson
Writers: Giles Alderson, Jonny Grant
Rated: R
Runtime: 1h 34m
Rating: 4 out of 5
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
