Choose or Die

| 2022

Directed by: Toby Meakins

Main Plot

Choose or Die follows a young programmer named Kayla who stumbles upon an obscure 1980s video game called CURS>R. Intrigued by its retro aesthetic and the promise of a cash prize, she decides to play it. However, she soon discovers that the game has a sinister twist: it forces players to make harrowing choices that have real-life consequences. As Kayla navigates through increasingly dangerous and surreal scenarios, she realizes that the game is not just a relic of the past but a malevolent force that threatens her and those around her. With each decision, the stakes rise, leading to a terrifying battle for survival as she tries to escape the game’s deadly grip. The film explores themes of choice, consequence, and the dark side of technology, as Kayla races against time to break free from the game’s control.

Characters

  • Iola Evans plays Kayla, a broke college student who activates a cursed video game, leading to deadly consequences as she navigates its terrifying challenges to survive.
  • Asa Butterfield plays Isaac, a computer programmer who helps the protagonist unravel the deadly mysteries of a cursed video game.
  • Robert Englund voices himself, playing a pivotal role as the game's narrator, guiding and tormenting the players through deadly choices.

Ending Explained

In the ending of Choose or Die, the tension culminates as the protagonist, Kayla, confronts the malevolent game that has ensnared her and her friends. After enduring a series of harrowing challenges that force her to make life-or-death decisions, Kayla realizes that the game is a manifestation of her own fears and regrets. The final challenge pits her against a choice that could either save her friend or allow her to escape the game’s clutches. In a pivotal moment, Kayla chooses to save her friend, demonstrating her growth and resilience. This act of selflessness ultimately disrupts the game's control over her, leading to a climactic showdown with the game's creator. The resolution of the main conflict comes as Kayla, empowered by her choices, breaks free from the game's grasp, symbolizing her reclaiming agency over her life. The ending leaves viewers with a sense of ambiguity, as the game’s influence lingers, suggesting that the struggle between control and freedom continues. This ties back to the overall narrative, which explores themes of choice, consequence, and the impact of past traumas, ultimately highlighting the importance of personal agency in overcoming adversity.

Toby Meakins Drama Horror Thriller Iola Evans Asa Butterfield Robert Englund