The Most Dangerous Game – Or the Most Overhyped?

In an age where psychological thrillers and graphic violence are practically a Netflix category of their own, The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell lands with the impact of a deflated balloon. Sure, maybe it was edgy back in 1924 when the idea of a rich guy turning his private island into a human hunting ground was gasp scandalous—but today? It feels more like a plot pitch rejected from Season 3 of White Lotus.

The prose moves at the speed of molasses, the suspense builds like a dial-up connection, and the whole “civilized man vs. savage instincts” theme has been done—and done better. (The Hunger Games, anyone?)

I get that it might have paved the way for a lot of modern survival thrillers, but reading it now feels less like a gripping tale and more like homework. Respect the legacy, sure. But in terms of raw entertainment? This one’s a swing… and a miss.