Review of Would You Rather (2013) by Josh H — 19 Oct 2018

This review will likely be quite a bit shorter than my previous ones, as there really isn't a huge amount to say about Would You Rather.

I approached the movie after it being recommended to me by friends, and the concept sounded interesting. I decided to watch it, and I cannot help but feel that the film prioritised cheap shock value over cleverly-written suspense or actual "testing" of the characters' personalities. In that regard, there is virtually no character development whatsoever, barring quite a minor shift with Iris towards the end (which I won't spoil).

Iris, the protagonist, is clearly intended to have been likeable for us the viewer, but I just never felt any real attachment to her as a character. The storytelling is to blame here; we are shown very little of her prior to the 'game' except for the fact that she cares for her brother, who comes across quite resentful of. Cal and Lucas are somewhat likeable, and the rest of them are neutral at best.

In terms of antagonists, this movie fails spectacularly. Amy is extremely one-dimensional; selfish and uncaring. The film's biggest flaw is the lack of explanation for Jeffrey Combs' sadistic traits, and why he wants the participants to play this 'game' in the first place. It just doesn't make any sense.

The one thing I will give this film credit for is the suspense created in the build-up to the "Would You Rather?" scenarios. Even though there is no attachment to the characters that would make you overly want to 'root for' them, there is still an element of sitting on the edge of your seat. Also, credit where credit is due, the ending did shock me. I expected a certain outcome that certainly did not come to happen, so that is commendable.

Therefore, I really can't recommend watching it. As a throwaway movie, it's fine. Despite the 'torture porn' elements, it's pretty inoffensive and doesn't add anything new. Would You Rather certainly didn't leave me with any big philosophical questions, which I expected, so that is a real shame.