It’s Just a Game (2018) Movie Review

Growing up, there was one thing that truly terrified me, and that was Bloody Mary. When I was in first grade, a friend told me the story of Bloody Mary and about the game used to summon her, and to this day, I am still terrified of mirrors. So when I heard of It’s Just a Game, I was definitely intrigued. The film starts with a similar game used to summon a witch known as Mother Murder. But, of course, it’s just a game… Or is it?

It’s Just a Game is the solo directing debut of Daniel Emery Taylor (The Hospital and The Hospital 2). The film stars Taylor, Hannah Cohen-Lawlor (Repulse), Leah Hudspeth, Alex Zuko (Match 2017), Sarah Kopkin, Alicia M. Clark (Scream For Summer 2018), G. Larry Butler (Panman 2011), Nadine Forbes (Clownsploitation 2018), Rachel Marshall (A Burrowing Heart), and Cassandra Bryson (Confessions of a Graverobber).

Summary:

Brianna (Hannah Cohen-Lawlor) is a shy, bashful teen who is constantly getting humiliated by the other girls in her social circle. Her circumstances change when she is kidnapped by a bizarre theater cult intent on summoning an ancient witch.

It’s Just a Game is a movie I have been looking forward to for months and, for the most part, it was worth the wait. The filmmakers mixed various elements (slashers, home invasions, witches, cults, etc.), and it all gels pretty well.

The story benefits greatly from a wonderful cast. Leah Hudspeth and Alex Zuko have wonderful chemistry as Sister Amelia and Brother Marco, who are responsible for a bulk of the film’s bloodshed. Even though they kill a ton of characters I genuinely cared about, I somehow still found them strangely likable. Hannah Cohen-Lawlor and Sarah Kopkin make for sympathetic leads as Brianna and Ruby. Kopkin’s Ruby goes thru Hell during the film’s run time and it’s a bit heartbreaking to see. Cohen-Lawlor’s Brianna will be relatable to anyone who has ever been bullied.

Nadine Forbes was wonderfully bitchy as mean girl Claire, while G. Larry Butler was a welcome source of light-hearted comic relief as Ruby’s dad. It was also nice to see Alicia Clark (who I loved in Scream For Summer) as Ruby’s older sister, Jade. Daniel Emery Taylor gives a unique take on a cult leader as Brother Thaddeus, who is pretty reserved and laid back. He’s not so much a real leader as he as a manager, making sure Mother Murder’s orders are followed. Last but not least, Cassandra Bryson makes the most of her limited screen time as Mother Murder, making her an intimidating and terrifying presence.

I loved how Daniel Emery Taylor was able to take such diverse elements and combine them to make something with its own feel. The cult has a bit of a Firefly family vibe to them, albeit a little more restrained and methodical. Their serial killer moments contrast nicely with the little bits of the supernatural that are peppered throughout the story, converging in the final act. The film has its share of gruesome moments, with my favorite being a throat stabbing via toothbrush that is pretty nasty.

I would have liked to have seen more of Skullgirl as I thought her given backstory was interesting. I would have liked to have known more about her and had the opportunity to see her let loose more like she does at the end. Same for Sister Daphne and the Pigmen, who we never get to see in action, although they have a cool look to them. If I had one minor complaint, it would be that this all feels like a build up to a bigger and better sequel, but in the end, I’m really not too upset as I enjoyed It’s Just a Game quite a bit and would welcome a return to this world.

Final Thoughts

Daniel Emery Taylor’s solo directorial debut, It’s Just a Game, is a mix of various subgenres that gel to make a compelling and brutally satisfying film. I loved all the characters, even the villains, and although this feels like the set up for a bigger and better sequel, I would welcome it with open arms. For fans of cult films, slashers or home invasion flicks, I highly recommend It’s Just a Game.