Netflix viewers can't stop watching 'gripping thriller' they 'thought was a parody'

Netflix viewers can't stop watching a new film that has been described as a 'gripping thriller' but also left some perplexed as they 'thought it was a parody'.

After being released in North America in February this year and landing on digital storefronts in November, DarkGame has now found a new home on the streaming service. Despite being made available on the platform during a busy festive period, it seems that subscribers can't get enough of the film. At the time of writing, it has managed to claim the number five spot of the most watched films in the UK.

It is only being out-viewed by a select number of Christmas films including two adaptations of How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Richard Curtis penned animated feature That Christmas and new thriller Carry-On. Despite being set in the US, the film is actually a British production and was filmed largely in Bristol.

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The story follows a determined detective played by Gossip Girl's Ed Westwick, who races against time to stop a twisted game show on the dark web, where captives are forced to compete for their lives. Despite proving popular on Netflix, viewer reaction is decidedly mixed on the film's quality.

One fan posted to Rotten Tomatoes saying: "A gripping thriller With untapped potential. DarkGame is a suspenseful ride that throws you into the murky world of online predators and hidden identities. While the film falters at times with a predictable plot that borrows from other films, it's the strong performances and intriguing characters that keep you engaged."

Another suggested its similarity with horror hit Saw is keeping fans hooked: "An attempt to be scary and funny plus Gothic and gruesome CAN work. I made it to the end because it's premise of people choosing how they survive (think Saw) is intriguing. This isn't new territory, and at times it's amateur night at the Apollo.....but I am sure a better sequel can be made if enough people see it."

Many also declared that the title looks to be in need of a sequel. One added: "Always care about the ending of a thriller. Loved this ending. Such a twist! Didn't expect it, well done. Probably would need a sequel?!"

However, someone else misunderstood the film upon watching as they posted: "I honestly thought this was a parody movie walking in halfway through. Apparently it's not. Which is sad."

Darkgame is streaming on Netflix.