We slowly meet four friends who inadvertently meet up for an impromptu get together to support one of them that is going through a divorce. While rummaging around some used furniture, they stumble across Gatlopp–a drinking game that is very much a stickler for rules. As the night goes on, everyone soon realizes that the game needs to be beaten before sunrise or they are stuck in Hell.

Gatlopp means gauntlet or to run the gauntlet in Swedish. And it isn’t a coincidence that the game has the same name. The friends must run through their own gauntlet of sorts. It all plays out like a grown-up version of another haunted game you might be familiar with just don’t expect cutting edge effects or big a-list actors. By no means do I mean that as a negative, just make sure expectations are in check if you decide to check it out.

This is in no way a dark film or could even be considered a horror. The writing and acting go far into slapstick, which is one of its strengths. There are many legit laugh out loud moments. Be it the reactions to whats happening or a random 80s themed jazzercise scene. If you except it for what it is, I think you could find yourself having a surprisingly good time.

When it comes to cast, you would be hard pressed to find an actual weak link. The absolute stand outs are Emmy Raver-Lampman as Sam and Jon Bass as Cliff. Without going into detail, there is one scene that Emmy absolutely knocks it out of the park, to the point where I had to take a moment before continuing. And as for Cliffs character, we’ve seen it a million times, a stoner loser of the group that supposed to be lovable but is just annoying. But Jon made him lovable. And that alone is an achievement to me.

Gatlopp is a comedy all the way through that largely takes place in a southern California home. Since its almost all in a single location, the technical aspects of the film aren’t necessarily taxing. Overall, visually, the film was okay. The colors tend to be a little flushed out but nothing too bad and the lighting was clear throughout. The audio falls in the same boat, as it’s okay. Was able to understand and hear everyone without issue.

Gatlopp is in an odd spot. Watching the trailer might cause you to have zero interest in the movie. It comes of like a haunted game for millennials and gen-Zers, but after sitting down and giving it a shot, the more I found myself enjoying it. It is funny in the way it’s written not just the situations or acting. When reviewing films, especially those of the horror genre, you have no idea what you’re getting into, and it can lead you to rethinking your life choices that lead you to this moment. On the flip side, you can sometimes watch something that pleasantly surprises you and reminds you why you enjoy doing it. Is it perfect? Gosh no. and that’s okay. But it had heart and reminded me that there are people worth running a gauntlet for.

8 out of 10