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Don't Be Afraid

86%Game Brain Score
story, optimization
atmosphere
86% User Score Based on 100 reviews

Platforms

PCPCXbox OneXbox OneXbox Series X|SXbox Series X|SXboxXbox
Buy NowGet on Xbox Games Store

About

"Don't Be Afraid" is a single-player horror simulation game with a phenomenal story. As 11-year-old David, you've been kidnapped and placed in a mysterious house filled with puzzles and fears. Explore the house, regain your memories, escape the nightmare and uncover the secrets of your kidnapper.

Genres & Tags
Play Modes

86%
Audience ScoreBased on 100 reviews
story12 positive mentions
  • The film features entertaining and creepy little creatures that add a unique charm to the horror experience.
  • The acting, particularly by Bailee Madison and Katie Holmes, is commendable and adds depth to the characters.
  • The movie successfully captures a gothic fairy tale atmosphere, making it enjoyable for fans of dark fantasy.
  • The plot suffers from predictability and some characters display questionable decision-making that detracts from the overall tension.
  • The creatures are revealed too early, which diminishes their initial scare factor and makes them less menacing.
  • Some viewers found the film lacking in genuine scares, feeling it was more comical than terrifying at times.
  • story
    31 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story has received mixed reviews, with many praising its engaging and polished narrative that builds on classic storytelling elements and childhood fears, particularly in the context of Guillermo del Toro's signature style. While some found the plot predictable and the adult characters underdeveloped, others appreciated the eerie atmosphere and clever twists that kept them invested. Overall, the film is seen as a worthy homage to the original, offering a blend of chills and thrills, though some felt it lacked depth in certain areas.

    • “It was actually an entertaining and effective story that kept me watching with anticipation.”
    • “Their whispers in the dark that beckon Sally to join them are quite chilling, but Nixey takes great care in keeping his creatures hidden until just the right moment... Del Toro's script draws from classic storytelling elements and childhood fears that any viewer can relate to.”
    • “Guillermo Del Toro always delivers a visual and mesmerizing story with every movie, and this is no different.”
    • “The adults were in limited supply and only kept around as plot points rather than interested parties.”
    • “My real problem with the movie was that the acting was terrible, and the dialogue and plot were unbelievable and stupid.”
    • “No atmosphere whatsoever was established; the acting was bland; the story unengrossing.”
  • atmosphere
    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere in the game is praised for its immersive quality, effectively enhancing the horror elements through well-crafted design and tension. However, some users feel that it lacks depth, with criticisms aimed at bland acting and an unengaging story that detracts from the overall experience.

    • “You feel like you are a part of the atmosphere.”
    • “Very well made horror film and atmosphere.”
    • “The creature design is simple but effective, and the atmosphere is immersive.”
    • “No atmosphere whatsoever was established; the acting was bland; the story unengrossing.”
    • “The creature design is simple but effective, and the atmosphere is lacking.”
    • “Very well made horror film, but the atmosphere fell flat.”
  • optimization
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The reviews suggest that while the film's overall quality may be lacking, the strong performance by Bailee Madison significantly enhances its appeal, indicating that optimization in terms of casting and acting has salvaged the experience.

  • emotional
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the film is significantly enhanced by Kim Darby's compelling performance, which evokes genuine feelings of excitement and terror, contrasting with the less impactful portrayals of Guy Pearce and Katie Holmes.

    • “Her excitement and terror are heartfelt and real, heightening the emotional impact of the film.”
    • “Kim Darby is such a good actress that she made me feel scared, whereas Guy Pearce and Katie Holmes didn't instill that feeling.”
  • humor
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the film is noted to be more prominent than the scares, with viewers finding it amusing rather than frightening. The house itself is a highlight, adding to the enjoyment and making the film worth repeated viewings.

    • “It was not so much scary as it was kind of funny, but the house made the film worth watching.”
    • “We bought this for the house in it, lol! It was not so much scary as it was kind of funny, and we will watch it over and over to admire the details of the home.”
  • music
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is praised for being fantastic, complementing the beautiful scenery and enhancing the overall experience.

    • “Fantastic music and scenery.”
  • character development
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The character development is well-executed, fostering a genuine emotional investment in the characters' journeys and outcomes.

    • “The character development was good, so I actually cared what happened to them.”
    • “The depth of the characters made their journeys feel personal and engaging.”
    • “I loved how the characters evolved throughout the story, making their struggles and triumphs feel meaningful.”
  • graphics
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics are praised for their classy presentation, featuring excellent cinematography and impressive set designs, contributing to a high-quality visual experience reminiscent of a well-crafted scary movie.

    • “To me, this is the best kind of scary movie genre - not too graphic, done with class, good cinematography, awesome sets - A+++ highly recommend if you like 'Woman in Black.'”

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