Exactly What You'd Expect
Exactly What You'd Expect

Movie spotlight

Exactly What You'd Expect

2023
Movie
10 min
English

Based on the rules of Cards Against Humanity, three hometown friends reunite, hang out over a card game, and share their experiences after a semester away at college. However, their stories grow increasingly absurd as the night progresses. Which friend will ultimately win the black card prompt, “what did you do this semester”?

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes58%
Metacritic62/100
Google Users72%
Director: Trey Edward ShultsGenres: Drama, Horror

Plot Summary

A group of estranged friends reunites for a wedding weekend, but the idyllic setting unravels as old tensions resurface and a creeping sense of dread takes hold. What begins as a celebration evolves into a harrowing examination of their shared past and fractured relationships. The weekend culminates in a series of disturbing events that blur the lines between reality and nightmare.

Critical Reception

While 'Exactly What You'd Expect' garnered attention for its ambitious visual style and strong performances, particularly from Taylor Russell, it divided critics. Some praised its unsettling atmosphere and thematic depth, while others found the narrative disjointed and the horror elements underdeveloped, ultimately failing to live up to the promise of its premise.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its atmospheric dread and stylized visuals.

  • Criticized for a convoluted plot and uneven pacing.

  • Taylor Russell's performance was frequently highlighted as a standout element.

Google audience: Audiences were largely divided, with many appreciating the film's artistic direction and the performances. However, a significant portion of viewers found the story confusing and the horror elements lacking, leading to a mixed reception overall.

Fun Fact

The film's distinctive color palette and stark imagery were heavily influenced by director Trey Edward Shults' personal experiences with anxiety and memory.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review