When the lights go out, survival is everything. But what happens when the darkness isn’t just empty space—what happens when you have to navigate a nightmare while relying only on your smartphone?
Enter Unhinged, a short, polished horror experience that shatters expectations by blending intense suspense with surprisingly clever, interactive mechanics. This Netflix original throws players right into the thick of it, forcing them to fight for their lives during a terrifying power outage.
The story follows Ava, voiced by Zoë Kravitz, who wakes up amidst a wicked storm and a total blackout in her apartment building. As darkness descends, Ava quickly learns that the threat isn’t just the storm; it’s an intruder—a deranged killer systematically picking tenants off one by one.
But Unhinged is far more than a standard walk-and-see game. It reimagines the survival experience by turning your real-life phone into the essential tool for escape. Players use their smartphone not just to observe, but as an active interface: it functions as a flashlight, a communication device for texts and calls with her friend Claire (voiced by Sadie Sink), and a means of navigation through the pitch-black building.
The tension ramps up dramatically as Ava must move quickly through the dark corridors. The game demands constant movement, turning simple navigation into a desperate scramble for survival. This immediacy is amplified by the proximity of the killer and Claire’s increasingly frantic communications, which serve to underscore the urgent need for Ava to find safety before it’s too late.
Behind this thrilling experience is the creative force of Night School Studio, working alongside talent like David Fincher, Zach Cregger, and Sean Krankel, and studios such as Bloober Team. The production quality shines through in the deeply unsettling atmosphere and the brilliant use of voice acting, which anchors the terror with raw intensity.
The game masterfully uses consequences to heighten the fear. Players are encouraged to face peril—including ten instances where they can die—which trigger cutscenes that deepen the narrative and deliver gruesome visuals. It’s these moments of visceral reality, like watching your own screen crack when you take a fatal fall, that transform passive viewing into an immersive, terrifying ordeal.
The genius of Unhinged lies in its brevity; it doesn’t waste time with unnecessary filler. Despite its short runtime, the narrative feels complete and compelling, driving players through an unforgettable sequence where every decision matters.
Ultimately, this interactive horror slice proves that you don’t need hundreds of hours to find a masterpiece. With a Netflix subscription and a smartphone in hand, Unhinged offers a spooky, polished, and truly innovative experience that delivers the thrills of P.T. while proving that some of the best games are those that manage to be both incredibly short and absolutely unforgettable.
Credit: JoBlo
