Netflix is taking a bold leap into immersive horror with Unhinged, a new interactive experience that blurs the line between game and television. Starring Sadie Sink (Stranger Things) and Zoë Kravitz (The Batman), this phone-based thriller puts you directly in the chaos. Available exclusively through Netflix Games starting June 30, it's a must-try for fans of edge-of-your-seat storytelling.
The premise is simple but chilling. A storm knocks out the power in a dark apartment building, and Claire (Sink) and Ava (Kravitz) have a tense phone call. Claire, watching from across the street, sees a figure inside Ava's apartment—but she hasn't even entered her own yet. What follows is pure panic, with the player guiding Ava through the nightmare using their smartphone as a flashlight, call device, and text receiver. The game's trailer sets the tone: unhinged terror from the first ring.
Developed by Night School Studio, the Netflix-owned team behind Oxenfree, Unhinged is more than a choose-your-own-adventure. After scanning a QR code, your phone becomes Ava's lifeline. You'll navigate calls, texts, and timed decisions—all while the game uses your phone's movement to heighten the immersion. Two modes are available: Story Mode removes the timer for a more relaxed experience, while Standard Mode forces quick choices under pressure, making every second count.
The cast also includes Troy Baker (The Last of Us) as Ben, the building's super, adding a layer of unease to the already tense atmosphere. With Sink's rising star power—she's also set to appear in Spider-Man: Brand New Day—and Kravitz's acclaimed performances, Unhinged feels like a major event for Netflix's gaming ambitions.
This isn't Netflix's first interactive experiment since Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, but it's arguably the most ambitious. Previous efforts like You vs. Wild and Cat Burglar offered branching narratives, but Unhinged transforms your phone into a survival tool, making it a hybrid of game and horror film. It's a significant step for Netflix Games, signaling that the platform is serious about blending gaming and streaming into a seamless experience. If it succeeds, we could see more projects that turn passive viewing into active participation.
For horror fans, Unhinged arrives at a perfect time. While classic novels still terrify readers in 2026, interactive experiences like this offer a new kind of fright—one where you're not just watching, but living the nightmare. And with Netflix's track record of pushing boundaries, this could pave the way for a new genre of immersive entertainment.
Ready to test your survival instincts? Unhinged is now available on Netflix Games. Stay tuned for more updates on this and other Netflix originals.
