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Plot Summary: When a group of rich 20-somethings plan a hurricane party at a remote family mansion, a party game turns deadly in this fresh and funny look at backstabbing, fake friends, and one party gone very, very wrong.

Director: Halina Reijn

Writers: Sarah DeLappe(screenplay), Kristen Roupenian(story by)

Runtime: 1 hour 35 mins

• Amandla Stenberg as Sophie
• Maria Bakalova as Bee
• Rachel Sennott as Alice
• Chase Sui Wonders as Emma
• Pete Davidson as David
• Myha'la Herrold as Jordan
• Lee Pace as Greg
• Conner O'Malley as Max

Review by: Samuel

What I liked

With absolutely no expectations at all this movie was surprisingly a uniquely entertaining adventure…for the last hour. The central theme of this movie is murder mystery and once that starts after about a half hour into the film, you’re in for a good and funny time. The primary reason for this is the dialogue between characters- the dialogue deserves top billing for this film!

It is SO hilarious to watch these vapid, entitled 20-somethings bumble their way through this murder mystery trying to solve the case. The great thing is there isn’t just one character providing comic relief- each one has a chance to “shine” with their ridiculous theories of who the killer is among them. And, when they aren’t arguing about that, they debate about who among them the “most upper middle class.” If it sounds insane, that’s because it is. The writers of this film clearly wanted you to laugh AT these characters and they succeeded.

Outside of the dialogue the actual murder mystery itself does hold your attention as you try to figure what exactly is going on. No one seems suspicious and the first couple deaths happen out of nowhere, so I admit I was intrigued. The ultimate reveal at the end may rub some people the wrong way…but I thought it was PERFECT for this movie.

Additionally, the cinematography deserves some credit here. The film takes place during a blackout so only flashlights are used to illuminate most of the film. It never feels cheap or low budget though. Even though it’s hard to see some times you are aware of what is happening, and it actually adds tension to the movie when the moment calls for it.

What I Didn’t Like

The first thirty minutes of this movie were boring. Usually, a first act sets up characters and motives, but none of the characters really mattered in this movie and I think the writers meant for it to be that way. You won’t remember anyone’s name in the end. That’s fine if the main point is for the ensemble to entertain you as a whole, which they do; it’s just unfortunate we have to wait about a half hour for things to finally get fun.

In that same vein, nothing else really stands out. It’s a complaint I’ve had with the last few films I’ve reviewed (not including ‘Nope’), and it seems to be a trend. Nothing is outright awful- not the acting, not the story, not the characters- but there is really nothing here that grabs your attention and makes it a memorable experience. So, it’s not one I would need to see more than once or own when it’s out on Blu-Ray; but, it is entertaining enough to leave on if I catch it flipping through channels or skim through if it comes to a streaming service.