Escape the Undertaker (2021)
Director: Ben Simms
Starring: The Undertaker, Big E, Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is so woven into pop culture that for many people the word “wrestling” instantly conjures Vince McMahon’s entertainment empire. The company’s golden eras—Hulkamania and the Attitude Era—are long past, and mainstream breakout stars from the ring have been rare. In recent years WWE has explored new partnerships and media strategies to reach broader audiences. One of the more intriguing collaborations was with Netflix, producing an interactive short film that mixes wrestling lore with choose-your-own-adventure storytelling.
Escape the Undertaker places WWE fan favorites The New Day—Kofi Kingston, Big E, and Xavier Woods—at the center of a supernatural caper. The trio attempts to steal the mystic urn tied to The Undertaker’s legend. The twist is that the viewer plays an active role: you and The Undertaker must join forces, investigate The New Day, and determine their fate. The premise will read oddly to those unfamiliar with WWE mythology, but the film provides enough context to bring newcomers up to speed without bogging down the narrative.
The production values are a notable strength. The film looks polished: camera work and set design are well executed, creating a vivid atmosphere that suits the story’s campy supernatural tone. There are moments when the CGI and editing falter, but these issues are relatively minor and do not consistently undermine the overall presentation. For the most part, the film is visually appealing and benefits from a clear, well-planned aesthetic.
Given WWE’s family-oriented focus—particularly toward younger viewers—the interactive format is smartly employed. Choices in the film are simple enough for children to grasp while still offering meaningful variation. The dialogue and humor walk a careful line: they’re playful and occasionally self-referential, nodding to the company’s history without alienating those who don’t follow weekly programming. Fans will appreciate little winks to past storylines, and newcomers will find an entertaining, accessible 30-minute experience.
The interactive mechanics are generally effective. Most options feel consequential, and the branching decisions influence how scenes play out and how characters respond. There are a few gimmicky choices—such as the early “I’m ready” versus “I’m too scared” prompt—and a few cheesier beats that follow certain paths, but these are part of the film’s charm rather than major flaws. One practical shortcoming is how the interface handles scene transitions: after selecting an option, the viewer is taken to the beginning of the newly chosen scene. Because the selection moments themselves function mainly as pauses before the actual decision, this jump can feel slightly jarring and interrupts the flow of immersion.
Critics might be inclined to dismiss a WWE-backed production on principle—film-making is not the company’s primary business, and WWE Studios has had uneven results in the past. Yet judged on the merits of its interactive storytelling, Escape the Undertaker performs well. It manages to combine spectacle, humor, and the kind of playful self-awareness that suits an interactive short built around wrestling characters.
Will it win legions of new fans or lure former viewers back to live shows? That seems unlikely. The title’s core focus on four WWE personalities naturally narrows the audience to those who are at least curious about the performers. The film’s family-friendly constraints also limit narrative complexity and darker thematic exploration, which some older viewers might prefer. Still, those limitations serve its intended demographic and keep the runtime brisk and entertaining.
Ultimately, Escape the Undertaker surpasses modest expectations. It’s fun, often funny, and embraces its campy premise with confidence. The interactive element feels meaningful rather than gimmicky for the most part, and the production values elevate what could otherwise have been a throwaway promotional piece. In short: a short, enjoyable diversion that fans of WWE and families alike can watch without regret.
16/24
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