The ingredients are all present for a successful horror movie – a disturbing atmosphere, detailed background information, and a dedicated fanbase – yet something feels off. Rather than capitalizing on those elements, the film relies heavily on familiar horror conventions like sudden shocks, conveniently timed thunderstorms, and computer-generated creatures that resemble pasta. This seems primarily intended for people who are already fans of the game. As someone unfamiliar with the source material, I found the adaptation to be hurried, featuring odd visual choices and plot contrivances. It would benefit from more time spent allowing viewers to become invested in its world and appreciate the violence ahead. There are several sequences involving puzzles, which evoke an escape room experience and align well with role-playing games. Confusing temporal distortions and flashbacks, presented without sufficient explanation, contribute to a sense of disorientation. I found myself struggling to piece together the story rather than simply following along as it should have unfolded. Certain scenes possess a peculiar visual aesthetic; while the foreground looks acceptable, the background appears digitally created and cheapens the overall presentation. After seeing the film, I compared it to gameplay footage and realized that this is an attempt to recreate the game’s look and feel. The goal seems to be immersing fans in an expanded universe, but ultimately it detracts from the movie itself. Ultimately, I believe The Mortuary Assistant suffers from the same pitfalls as many video game adaptations: attempting to precisely replicate the original style, atmosphere, and gameplay proves unsuccessful. It should aim for a sense of shared experience with the characters, rather than prompting viewers to reach through the screen to guide them through illogical puzzles and convoluted plots. Silent Hill serves as a prime example – a large fanbase disappointed by an overly ambitious attempt to encompass an entire franchise in one film, which alienated its audience. Despite these shortcomings, there are aspects I appreciated, particularly the practical effects. We see graphic wounds, bodies with exposed innards, and plenty of pus—moments that often stand out in independent filmmaking. The sound design is also well-executed, including a striking instance of a jaw grinding and cracking as someone inserts an embalming tube, which elicited a physical reaction from me. If you enjoyed The Mortuary Assistant game, this film will likely appeal to you. However, for those without that familiarity, approach it with caution. Like Iron Lung, these adaptations aren't universally enjoyable. On the positive side, I’m now motivated to try playing the game!

Source on TMDB