The Dare (2019)

Directed by: Giles Alderson | 96 minutes | horror, thriller | Actors: Bart Edwards, Richard Brake, Richard Short, Alexandra Evans, Robert Maaser, Mitchell Norman, Harry Jarvis, Daniel Schutzmann, Devora Wilde, Oliver Cunliffe, Alexander Biehn, George Pilsworth, Maddy Bryan, Lelia Yvetta, Emily Haigh, Ethan Hazzard

A while ago the campaign ‘Bullying is not a game’ was published. With this slogan, politicians hoped to draw attention to the subject of ‘bullying’ and to make clear that the consequences of bullying can be very serious. Therapists have their hands full with it. Even at a later age, victims still suffer from bullying from the past. ‘The Dare’ also addresses this issue. Interesting detail: this is a horror film.

In ‘The Dare’, family man Jay wakes up after a blow to the head in a filthy basement. He’s chained to the wall. When he awakens, he discovers that he is not the only prisoner. Together with a woman and two men (one mortally wounded), he is trapped in a dilapidated house. This foursome is held captive by a wall-to-wall brute with an obscure mask that forces them to torture each other. What is his motive and why did he bring these people together?

Without revealing too much, the core of ‘The Dare’ is therefore about the consequences of bullying. Giles Alderson deserves credit for wanting to shed light on this subject, but a clunky horror film was not exactly the right choice in this case. The biggest problem with this movie is that not a single character is likeable. Neither the bullies nor the victim. Because you can’t bond with these characters, it kills the message. Literal. What remains is a hard-hitting, nihilistic slaughter film.

Great example ‘Saw’ was not a film with a great plot or message, but at least it could count on the support of Tobin Bell. This actor took this franchise to the next level thanks to his chilling playing. ‘The Dare’ has another somewhat charismatic actor in the ranks in the form of Richard Brake, but his role is unfortunately minimal. ‘The Dare’ wants to talk about bullying, but does so in such a clumsy and tasteless way that it is distressing. Fans of torture porn and some gruesome scenes in which a knife, an eye and an insect play a role will have their fun.

With a better cast, director and plot more could have been lived here.