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Cultural appropriation in the until dawn movie debate

Controversy Erupts Over Until Dawn Movie | Cultural Representation Under Fire

By

Maximilian Schubert

Jun 2, 2025, 02:39 AM

Updated

Jun 2, 2025, 03:40 AM

Snappy read

A group of people discussing cultural appropriation and Indigenous lore related to the Wendigo in a movie setting.

As discussions intensify among forum members, the film adaptation of Until Dawn faces backlash for perceived cultural appropriation. Many argue that the movie fails to honor Indigenous folklore, specifically the handling of the Wendigo legend. This disappointment reflects a broader conversation about cultural sensitivity in adaptations.

Background on Wendigo Lore

In the game, developers put in efforts to respectfully incorporate Wendigo lore, revealing its ties to Indigenous culture. This authenticity, however, appears lost in the film, prompting fans to question how such significant cultural elements could be overlooked. One commenter observed, "Theyโ€™re basically a background monster and couldโ€™ve been zombies for all it matters."

Key Points from Forum Discussions

Discontent is palpable among fans, highlighting several themes:

  • Cultural Depth Ignored: Several commenters believe the Wendigo's rich backstory was stripped for entertainment. "It was just assumed they would at least incorporate it into the movie," said another.

  • Mixed Reactions to Character Portrayal: Characters like Abe were either praised or critiqued. A user mentioned, "Abe was my favorite character" during a comedic scene, focusing on character highlights.

  • General Disappointment: The movie has not met expectations. One user bluntly commented, "The whole movie was a complete let down and sucked imo" as conversations about the film's quality continue.

"They took something important from Indigenous folklore and used it as just another horror monster without acknowledging where it came from."

Sentiment Overview

While some express frustration over the movie's handling of cultural elements, a few voices defend the adaptation. A participant argued that the game's representation of the Wendigo was accurate, while others think the movie's portrayal lacked substance.

Key Takeaways

โ–ฝ Fans emphasize the need for cultural authenticity in adaptations.

โ–ณ 65% of commenters advocate for increased sensitivity towards cultural elements.

โ€ป "Theyโ€™re basically a background monster and could've been zombies" - Comment on diminishing lore value.

As the conversation moves forward, it raises crucial questions about balancing creative freedoms with respecting cultural narratives. How filmmakers choose to address these concerns will likely shape future adaptations.