The Medium is now getting a movie adaptation. The Medium is a psychological horror video game developed by the Polish company Bloober Team. Its plot focuses on Marianne, a spirit medium, who is living in post-Communism Poland in 1999. Marianne looks into the dark secrets of a falling-apart Polish resort, all the while navigating both the real world and the spirit world.

Throughout, she is haunted by a monstrous enтιтy, and horrific visions, including that of a child’s murder. The game’s visuals were inspired by the work of painter Zdzisław Beksiński. Its studio, Bloober, has previously published numerous games, including Silent Hill 2 and Observer: System Redux.

As per The Hollywood Reporter, The Medium is now getting a movie adaptation. Gary Dauberman has acquired the rights and will produce the film, which is now on the search for a writer and director. Dauberman said the game was “natural for a feature film adaptation,” in a statement fully realized below:

“With its compelling story and incredibly cinematic visuals, The Medium is a natural for a feature film adaptation.

When I talked to Piotr [Babieno] about it, we immediately connected on our mutual love of horror and his vision for where the genre is headed. I have no doubt anything Bloober develops is going to push horror forward in unique and terrifying ways, and I’m excited to be working alongside them.”

Bloober CEO Piotr Babieno also commented on the project, noting:

“Adapting games into films often involves balancing many interests, but with The Medium, I have a deep sense that Gary is the perfect partner for us. From our very first conversation, I felt we were completely in sync. And every conversation since has only reinforced that feeling.”

What This Means For The Medium

The Video Game Was Quite Divisive

The Medium adaptation comes at a time when video game adaptations are increasingly popular. This year alone has already seen a mᴀssively successful theatrical release with A Minecraft Movie, and a modestly successful adaptation of Until Dawn. Still to come is the release of Mortal Kombat II, which comes out October 24.

While video game-based movies always have a lot to live up to, The Medium adaptation has some unique struggles. While the game got a lot of critical praise, the story was divisive among many gamers. Many found the handling of some of its themes, including mental health, to be problematically handled.

That said, Dauberman is experienced in the video game adaptation space. He served as a writer and producer on the Until Dawn adaptation earlier this year. Babieno already seems confident in Dauberman’s partnership, noting that they were “completely in sync,” which could be a good sign.

Our Take On The Medium Movie

It Has The Opportunity To Improve On Aspects Of The Game

As problematic as some of its plot points could be interpreted, The Medium is set in an interesting universe. It combines a real-life political climate with the supernatural world. The movie adaptation could play in this fantasy space in an interesting way, making for good world building.

The Medium movie also has the opportunity to course-correct after some of the more divisive elements of the game. Without having to factor in gameplay, the film adaptation can really delve further into its narrative elements. With more time to develop this, I am hopeful that The Medium can make some key improvements to the game.

Source: THR