Now Reading: The Surprisingly Beloved Horror Film by Elijah Wood

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The Surprisingly Beloved Horror Film by Elijah Wood

November 3, 20253 min read

From now until forever, Elijah Wood will be remembered as Frodo Baggins. As the blue-eyed, hairy-footed bearer of the One Ring, his journey from The Shire to Mount Doom is the heart of Peter Jackson’s iconic Lord of the Rings trilogy. Regardless of his accomplishments—like discovering a cure for the common cold or perfecting time travel—fans will still approach him on the street to remind him to “keep his secrets.”

Outside of the enchanting realms of Middle-earth, Wood has ventured into the world of horror films. In 2025, he took on the role of Fritz Garbinger in the long-awaited remake of The Toxic Avenger. Throughout his career, he has been involved in various horror projects, including a TV movie called Child in the Night and a lesser-known spin-off of Home Alone.

Wood’s passion for the horror genre is evident. He often discusses his love for classic films, praising the notorious Japanese film Battle Royale as one of his favorites. In an interview, he revealed another cherished title—an obscure 1986 slasher called Truth or Dare?.

“It’s a significant horror film for me because I watched it when I was young, and I’ve introduced it to many others,” he shared. “Written by Tim Ritter, it’s a direct-to-VHS gem that’s wonderfully unintentional in its humor and very much reflective of its era. Despite its low budget, I love it dearly and often suggest it to friends—the perfect pick for your Halloween watchlist.”

Truth or Dare?, inspired by a short story by Ritter, follows Mike (John Brace), a businessman whose life spirals after discovering his wife’s affair with his best friend. As his mental state deteriorates, he begins to hallucinate and commit increasingly violent acts, all framed through the classic game of ‘Truth or Dare’. While Wood finds merit in its concept, many viewers might disagree.

Though the film didn’t achieve major success, its scattered reviews suggest it has its moments of genuine terror but suffers from lackluster dialogue and acting. Most comments simply emphasize that it remains one of Elijah Wood’s prized films.

Despite its mixed reception, Ritter has built upon Truth or Dare?, leading to four sequels, with the most recent, I Dared You!, released in 2018, partially funded through crowdfunding efforts. Whether the film boasts a more dedicated fanbase than anticipated or if Wood has been quietly supporting its legacy, either scenario seems plausible.

For those intrigued, you can check out the trailer here: Watch on YouTube.

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