Nicolas Wendl and Dani Abraham clearly invested considerable effort into their independent horror film “Stupid Games,” which proves to be a worthwhile addition to the genre with an engaging narrative, characters that feel authentic, and a premise that manages to feel both familiar and original. It’s true that this isn't a movie boasting high production values or a polished sheen, but the cast delivers performances that are endearingly unrefined, and the initial setup evokes a sense of comfortable familiarity characteristic of homegrown horror films. The story centers on Jaxon (Saad Rolando) and Rex (Gage Robinson), two friends whose main goal is to hook up with women. Jaxon anticipates fulfilling his fantasy when his friend Celeste (Alyssa Tortomasi) invites the guys over for drinks, dinner, and a game night. She’s also invited her close friends Riley (Cass Huckabay) and Mia (Ashwini Ganpule), but the two young men find themselves in far more trouble than they could have imagined after the group inadvertently releases a dangerous entity with a taste for blood. The movie's concept is straightforward, yet Wendl and Abraham manage to maintain viewer interest. It takes longer than an hour for the suspense and horror elements to truly emerge, as much of the film’s length is devoted to establishing characters and providing background information. The conversations feel genuine and unscripted, which prepares viewers for the film's darker conclusion, marked by increasing tension and a growing sense of foreboding. It demands some investment from the audience while the filmmakers build their foundation, but it pays off because the final moments are incredibly rewarding. “Stupid Games” is an enjoyable experience due to the quality of its storytelling. If you enjoy horror movies and value the unique qualities often found in independent horror films, this one is certainly worth checking out.

Source on TMDB