This is a sleek and tense indie horror that leans heavily on atmosphere, minimalism, and the creeping sense of dread that bubbles up from a night of innocent fun turning into something far more sinister. Directed by Nicolas Wendl and Dani Abraham, and written by Tanner Adams, the film follows Celeste, who hosts a dinner party for her one-night stand, Jaxon, and his friends. What starts as a typical game night soon spirals into a nightmarish ordeal after they start playing a seemingly innocuous board game that has dangerous consequences.
The standout strength of the film is how it plays with expectations. You could easily predict where a lot of the scenes are headed, but there's a subtle craftsmanship in the pacing and visual storytelling choices that keep you hooked. The board game itself becomes more of a metaphorical catalyst than a true plot device.
The pacing might be a turn-off for some, especially those looking for the more overtly shocking moments typical of the genre. It relies heavily on a slow burn that doesn't always land with the intensity you might hope for.
Still, for what it is-a small-scale horror film that thrives on psychological tension and limited resources-Stupid Games delivers. It's not flawless, but it's a quietly unsettling piece of genre cinema that's definitely worth a look.
