SIMP FACTS:
- SURPRISINGLY WATCHABLE, EVEN FOR NON-WWE FANS.
- CARRIED BY PRO-WRESTLING STARS ‘THE NEW DAY’.
- NOT MUCH OF A GAME, BUT CHOICES FEEL DISTINCT.
Let’s first be clear; Escape the Undertaker isn’t going to earn Netflix and the WWE any Oscars.
But speaking as someone with minimal interest and knowledge when it comes to the WWE, it’s pretty impressive this 30-minute interactive film is as good as it actually is.
On paper, it sounds potentially horrific, and not in the good Halloween way, but the kind where you’re aware the characters, writing, and acting within the WWE universe are not always of the highest quality.
There’s also the fact that the one character I am familiar with, The Undertaker, is a well-worn 56 years old, who officially retired from the wrestling business in the past couple years.
Perhaps it’s pop culture ignorance on my part that I was not familiar with its trio The New Day, all of whom I’ve now learned possess actual acting and comedic improv ability.
If not for its members Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, and Big E, whom join you in in your adventure through Undertaker’s mansion, this experience could have easily been the the kind of nightmare I anticipated.
Instead, they round out this surprisingly high production value short film with genuine laughs and a laid back attitude.
It’s not quite enough to fully save it from the inherent limitations of a 30-minute interactive movie, but their comfort on camera and improv-style humor make it a very watchable experience.
The choices you make aren’t necessarily all that impactful overall, but they feel satisfying and distinct as they take you down unique paths.
If you decide to rewind and change a choice, which Netflix makes surprisingly painless, you can also appreciate the director’s efforts to make everything feel as though it’s happening in real-time, which lends itself well to the haunted house exploration experience.
We never thought we’d say it, but this interactive WWE experience isn’t all that bad.
If you don’t care about pro-wrestling at all, this could still be worth your time if you find yourself bored this Halloween season with 30 minutes to spare.
Already watched Escape the Undertaker? Learn more its various alternate endings.