A hidden gem, “Choose or Die” was released on the Netflix platform in April 2022. Following in the footsteps of cursed films, this easy-to-watch horror movie takes a concept similar to Jumanji and combines it with elements from films like “13 Sins” or “Would You Rather.” The film begins with a bearded man sitting alone in his man cave. His wife and son argue in the dining room. Now is the perfect time to install the latest retro video game, enticingly named “CURS>R”. And that’s exactly what Hal does.
It’s not long before the game unexpectedly transitions into real-world interaction. Beginning in an almost cute way, the game asks him to choose if he would like another beer. When the beer appears, Hal couldn’t be more surprised. But in the blink of an eye, CURS>R’s genie-like presence becomes sinister, involving his wife and son in his next choice where a refusal to opt-in could result in death. Hal chooses between his wife and his son and his son loses an eye.
Is Choose or Die a Good Movie?
In a situation bearing striking similarities to the TV show Squid Game, “Choose or Die” directs its attention towards Kayla, an unfortunate woman whose life is filled with hardships due to her socioeconomic status and involvement in harrowing circumstances. Despite it all, Kayla manages to stay afloat by working to pay for her education while selling technology to her tech-obsessed friend, who in turn teaches her how to code.
Kayla and Isaac stumble upon a 1980s game console and are delighted to discover that there is a potentially ongoing competition with a $125,000 prize pool to complete a text-based adventure computer game. Investing their efforts into extensive research, they uncover the game’s origins, how to enable cheat mode, and the identities of the creators. However, as they progress through the game, others are drawn into its sinister intentions and suffer vicious wounds. Kayla and Isaac learn that those who participate in the game reap rewards, while those pulled into its world succumb to unimaginable suffering.
Choose or Die captivates with its mix of thrilling atmosphere and playful dynamics. The narrative adeptly builds a world reminiscent of beloved 80s video games. Furthermore, the story draws upon the traditional rules of heroism found in many fantasy role-playing games. Kayla unravels some of the game’s tricks to earn her way to the next level, solidifying her status as an all-around good person who deserves to make it to the finale, making it hard to root for anyone else.
Boss Level Final Battle
Like any good video game scenario, the Boss level arrives and throws Kayla up against the original family man Hal from the beginning of the movie. Turns out Hal didn’t quite make it to the end in the same way as Kayla. Instead, he confesses he bribed the game to let him off by making copies. Overall, the ending of Choose or Die is pretty cool and the entire concept would make an excellent horror franchise.
Choose or Die is rated
3.5 let’s make this film concept a franchise out of 5
You can watch Choose or Die on the Netflix streaming platform in most countries.
Directed by Toby Meakins. Written by Simon Allen, Toby Meakins, and Matthew James Wilkinson.
