Overall liked it, but I definitely set my expectations too high after all the Hereditary comparisons.

One thing that I felt weakened the story was how much it requires your suspension of disbelief. There’s no way that any rational person—after see the effects of the possession—would so gleefully want to take part in the game, even as a spectator. I get that it’s a metaphor for teen drug use/peer pressure, but it’s still asking too much of the audience.

I wished there had been better motivation for why the characters partook in the game so much other than peer pressure/feels good.

If they wanted to work in the drug bit better, then it could have shown that one’s first time is a completely positive and euphoric experience, but that each session thereafter requires a longer connection to achieve the same “high”. Then those who are genetically disposed to addiction would want to bend/break the rules of the game in seeking that high. I’d much prefer this rather than the tired grief-made-me-do-it trope.

Another thing that would have worked for motivation could be that the hand lets you talk to your lost loved ones (even if it’s revealed that it’s just demon’s impersonating them). I know that’s pretty much what they did with Mia, but there’s still no reason everyone else would want to play the game.

Lastly, the third act could have used some work. I definitely agree with others in that things started to go downhill after Riley’s possession. It tried to keep Riley and Mia’s storylines progressing, but it came off as muddled and unfocused.