Would You Rather

Would You Rather is a 2012 psychological horror film that amalgamates suspense, drama, and thriller elements into one intense package. Directed by David Guy Levy and starring Brittany Snow, June Squibb, and Jeffrey Combs, the movie explores the depths of human desperation and the dark choices people may make when backed into a corner.

The film begins with an introduction to the main character, Iris (played by Brittany Snow), a young woman burdened by the financial strain of her brother's terminal illness. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she meets the enigmatic aristocrat Shepard Lambrick (Jeffrey Combs), who offers her a chance to win a grand reward that could solve all her money-related troubles. This opportunity, however, comes with a catch: Iris must participate in a dinner party game as a part of Lambrick's twisted entertainment.

Convinced to take up this near-ludicrous offer, Iris joins a group of similarly desperate individuals at Lambrick's opulent mansion. As the dinner party progresses, it becomes apparent that this is no ordinary gathering, and the game is far removed from anything harmless. The titular game 'Would You Rather' takes center stage, but it's a grotesquely twisted version wherein players must choose between completing horrifying tasks or suffering terrifying consequences. As the night wears on, the stakes escalate exponentially, creating a palpable atmosphere of fear and suspense.

Each character in the room has a story, and as the game unfolds, their desperation, moral complexes and survival instincts come to light. The ensemble cast, including June Squibb in the role of an ageing, debt-ridden woman, deliver commendable performances. Their individual plights enhance the film's overall tension, making the narrative more unsettling and engrossing.

Jeffrey Combs' portrayal of the manipulative and ruthless Shepard Lambrick is truly chilling. He perfectly embodies the character's cold-hearted amusement in other's despair and his sadistic pleasure in unfolding the game. The tension-filled dynamic between him and Iris forms the core of the film, leading to a gripping cat-and-mouse race balanced on a knife-edge of risk and reward.

Director David Guy Levy cleverly creates an atmosphere of disquieting terror and suspense. Instead of relying on traditional horror tropes, he builds tension gradually through the character's actions, decisions, and reactions to the ever-increasing threats. Moreover, Levy manages to infuse socio-economic commentary into the film. He explores the lengths to which people will go when desperate, providing an incisive critique of the wider divide between social classes.

Brittany Snow gives a raw and vulnerable performance as Iris. She convincingly portrays a woman driven to her limits, making her character both relatable and compelling. Every decision Iris makes feels significant, and Snow's nuanced performance means viewers can't help but root for her despite the unthinkable circumstances she finds herself in.

The supporting cast lends a further layer of terror and intensity to the movie. Each player in the game is vastly different, and their individual stories paint a stark picture of desperation and hopelessness. Their interactions with each other, as well as their spiraling emotions as the game progresses, create a grim and haunting atmosphere that sticks with the viewer long after the movie ends.

As the nightmare unfolds, so does the atmosphere of unease and dread, escalating to a fever pitch as players face the realization that there can be only one winner. The film's setting - a luxurious mansion that offers no escape - enhances the claustrophobic tension, and the opulent surroundings seem increasingly sinister as the night advances.

The script, penned by Steffen Schlachtenhaufen, deals with some heavy themes, yet never loses sight of its main purpose: to evoke fear and suspense. The narrative is well-paced, with the tension slowly building up before unleashing in full force.

To conclude, Would You Rather is a film that pulls the viewer into a heart-pounding spectacle of raw emotion and unthinkable choices. It explores some deep themes, has great performances, and builds suspense with every twist and turn. It's a horror film that depends as much on psychological terror as physical frights, promising a fright-filled cinematic experience. While it might not be a traditional horror film, the oppressive sense of despair and the moral dilemmas posed make it an undeniably gripping watch.