Review by Jon Donnis
Director: Rebekah McKendry
Rating: 7.5/10
Elevator Game, directed by Rebekah McKendry, takes audiences on a nerve-wracking journey into the supernatural. The film begins with a compelling scene, cleverly utilizing shots of Becki (Megan Best) navigating the elevator's buttons and the underlying machinery, setting an ominous tone. As the story unfolds, a mysterious entity known as The 5th Floor Woman comes into play, thrusting the plot into a realm of horror.
Becki's disappearance leaves her socially awkward teenage brother, Ryan (Gino Anania), desperate for answers. Uncovering that she had played 'The Elevator Game' before vanishing, he resolves to follow her footsteps and find out the truth. Ryan intertwines his fate with a group of YouTubers led by Chloe (Verity Marks), exploring the supernatural. The film delves into the Elevator Game, a ritual attempting to traverse dimensions, adding an exciting layer to the narrative.
The film's strengths lie in the depiction of The 5th Floor Woman as a formidable horror villain, inflicting terror upon the young adults in creative and gory manners. The cinematography is commendable, effectively building tension and delivering well-timed jump scares that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
However, Elevator Game could have benefited from more extensive explanation regarding the game itself, its historical context, and the intricacies of the alternate dimension. Additionally, delving into The 5th Floor Woman's motivations and her vendetta could have added depth to the narrative.
In summary, Elevator Game offers an enjoyable albeit straightforward horror experience, drawing inspiration from the realms of Japanese horror. While the film could have surpassed its potential with a more refined script and a reduction of clichés, it remains an engaging horror film with captivating elements that will leave fans of the genre satisfied.
Out now
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3r8ICzX
Apple TV: https://apple.co/45Rz2R5
