Truth or Dare

In the 2018 horror film Truth or Dare, a group of college friends embark on a spring break trip to Mexico, eager to let loose and enjoy some much-needed time off. Lucas (Sam Lerner), Olivia (Lucy Hale), Markie (Violett Beane), Ronnie (Nolan Gerard Funk), Tyson (Andrew Bachelor), and Penelope (Sophie Turner) are all friends, but their relationships with one another are put to the test when they stumble upon an ancient Mexican tradition at a local party. The group decides to play a game of "Truth or Dare," which seems innocent enough. However, things take a dark turn when they find out that this is no ordinary game. As soon as someone gets picked to answer the game, they must reveal their deepest, darkest secret, or they must complete an extremely difficult task. Olivia, the group's de facto leader, ends up choosing to play the game. The girls have the choice between Olivia and Markie, who hesitantly accept the choice. Olivia then says truth to answer the question, choosing her. Markie, however, has "dare" forced upon her. The person who made the rules indicates their hand is held by a spirit, resulting from long ago spirits the victims play this game. Markie accepts her dare and is ordered to kiss a Mexican local named Carlos. Markie initially panics, denying the dare at first, which sparks a real surprise and concern from everyone. Eventually, Markie overcomes her fear and successfully kisses Carlos. Olivia then says her truth and says she kissed a boy in the ninth grade on their "Truth or Dare" tradition each week. However, as the game progresses, things begin to take a dark turn. Every time someone tries to get out of doing something, and says "I'd rather not," things go tragically wrong. The person refused, is then punished for his "crime." This punishment can be anything from a nasty cut on their leg to something much darker such as literally losing their life. For example, Tiffany (Urby Hall), a shy and introverted member of the group who said "I'd rather not," is savagely attacked and tortured by a group of unseen aggressors when she denied doing her challenge. Meanwhile, Tyson, a snarky friend of the group, says a series of lies in an effort to avoid the challenges. Tyson says anything imaginable in order to outsmart them. But alas, his attempts at outsmarting the game only lead to more punishment when someone gets angry once when he revealed their "secret." With death looming, the friends are left to wonder who to trust, and what the consequences of their lies will be. It isn't easy, especially when it is indeed those they consider allies when facing this awful sight involving punishment and unfathomable horror that leaves everyone in absolute rage. As fear sets in and desperation grows, they find out they must learn the rules and the truth behind this brutal and ancient game or else they could lose all that they know. The friends are forced to not choose but instead draw to avoid what appears to be cruel punishment. Penelope seemingly falls to their mercy after initially declining a challenge, soon revealing that they possibly came upon something at one point that would be understood over and better understood when they die. In a shocking turn of events, Olivia and her close friend Markie end up being the last two people who are still alive. What started as a game turns out to be a cursed Mexican death ritual, and the only way for them to survive is for one of them to confess their deepest secret while the other completes a dare. However, even this rule proves to be unbreakable, and Olivia ends up making the ultimate sacrifice for her best friend. Markie does the final challenge, only to be told that the curse can be lifted, as the last players have completed the game. With their lives saved, Markie finally exposes the deepest, darkest secret in her attempt to make sense of everything. Eventually, Olivia comes to terms that not even their ultimate friendship may overcome this spirit. "Truth or Dare" offers an engaging narrative and presents tense drama that brings excitement to its listeners as people test their strength within their physical self, and also, people need to put on a show very difficult using fear to carry out their actions that keep everything connected that is needed for an amazing, exciting series at play that incorporates many dramatic situations but does serve an entertaining experience that fans will love.