Netflix has a brand new film out and it recently hit #1 on the platform in the US, UK, and several other countries. Choose or Die, formerly titled CURS>R, may be riding high on the top of the charts, but based on reviews this standing isn’t going to last long. The film is getting absolutely shredded by critics and audiences alike.

Choose or Die is a horror film with a fairly interesting premise. A text-based adventure game offers two players the chance to win some life-changing prize money. However, it turns out that the game is able to affect the real world around the players, leading to a series of increasingly horrific scenarios. If it sounds like a mix between a more terrifying Jumanji and Saw, you probably wouldn’t be too far off. Unfortunately, the movie seems to buckle under its lofty premise.

Choose or Die currently has abysmal scores on Rotten Tomatoes. The critic score is sitting at a dismal 28% and the audience score is even lower, clocking in at 26%. This doesn’t bode well for the longevity of this film’s popularity, or for Netflix to pursue any type of sequel or spin-off for their new original film.

Choose or Die is the directorial debut of Toby Meakins with a script by Simon Allen. The movie stars Iola Evans, Asa Butterfield, Eddie Marsan, Robert Englund, Kate Fleetwood, Ryan Gage, Angela Griffin, Pete Machale, George Hannigan, and Joe Bolland. According to reviews, the cast made the most of the material they were given, but even good performances weren’t enough to save this film from becoming a critical bomb.

With all of that being said, it’s possible that you may get some enjoyment out of Choose or Die. Though the aggregate reviews of the film are largely negative, there’s a positive review here and there from noted critics. Your results may vary, but if you go in with low expectations there’s always a chance that you could be surprised and end up enjoying the story. Many critics enjoy the premise of the movie, but it seems like the execution just wasn’t there. Still, it’s a short watch so it won’t take up much time, especially since you should know whether the story will interest you without having to get too far in. Also on the plus side, Robert Englund aka Freddy Kreuger makes an appearance as a fictional version of himself. This may be one of the things drawing people in to stream this one in such large numbers.

So, if you’re looking for a new horror film to check out this weekend, this might be your best choice. Of course, there are plenty of other horror films in the Netflix catalog if you’re looking for a more sure bet than Choose or Die. For instance, if you’re looking for a horror film that is based on outdated technology, you could always check out the American version of The Ring and its cursed videotape. Or, if you want to see Robert Englund in a better role, you can check him out as Freddy Kreuger in the Wes Craven-directed 1984 classic Nightmare on Elm Street. Netflix even has some horror originals of their own that are beloved by critics and audiences, like the Stephen King adaptation Gerald’s Game or the TV show The Haunting of Hill House. Of course, you could also just opt for one of the best horror movies of all time and watch The Exorcist.

In short, if Choose or Die doesn’t quite scratch that horror itch, Netflix has you covered with a plethora of other options for the genre. It will be interesting to see how long Choose or Die keeps its spot in the top ten rankings. The movie hit the platform on April 15, so it has had a couple of days for audiences to take it in. The bad reviews might make its reign short-lived. Or there’s always the possibility that the high placement could get more people to watch it and maybe even give it some good reviews, saving the audience Rotten Tomatoes score at the very least. Then again, it could also go lower. Either way, if Choose or Die seems like a movie you might be interested in, Netflix has it available for you.

 1,187 total views