Before you read this, note that I had read the book before watching the movie.
At first, I was like... Dude, no. They completely changed the story line. They changed the main character, gave her a completely different background, even key points about her ([spoiler]especially when they said her brother had died, which in the book doesn't happen, instead she fell asleep inside her car in the garage, while the car was still running, which ended up on her being intoxicated by all the gasses[/spoiler]). [spoiler] Even her first dare was completely different, and her best friend Sydney din't actually sign up for the game in the book.[/spoiler]
However, as the movie went on, I thanked the directors for changing the course completely. It got even better than the book. The outcome was amazing, in my point of view. Emma Roberts and Dave Franco were the best cast I could ask for for these two, and it's nice seeing them playing roles completely different than what I was used to.
The only thing that disappointed me was [spoiler] that while the book has an open ending, which might mean that if the writer ever wants to do it, she can come back and write a sequel, this movie ends with no prospect for a second movie. Which isn't necessarily bad, but I liked this so much that I wouldn't mind a second one. [/spoiler]

7.5/10 - This is actually really good IMO. The interesting but also super scary thing is that this isn't that far fetched and could theoretically happen IRL (I'd view this as pre Cyberpunk). It might sound crazy but remember that we already have pretty crazy internet challenges today and some people did really die! I wouldn't be surprised if people are already doing dares via Twitch, Onlyfans(?), etc., we have challenges via Tik Tok (etc.), and daredevils upload videos to YouTube where they climb cranes like in the movie (even hanging down on two arms) and IIRC I've even seen some crazy shit with trains (feeling rightfully guilty for even watching such things even though I at least dislike the videos :o). Anyway, the crazy thing is that some people do such extreme/dangerous/dumb things. The only thing missing is the Nerve app. Thankfully that part would be difficult to pull off (e.g. ethical concerns, difficulty to make money with illegal apps, and app store bans). But the movie even gets the technical stuff surprisingly right [1] (not perfect but better than most other movies). In theory it should be possible to write such an app but it would be difficult for normal people to get and install (would get banned on app stores and after/if it gets banned on the web people would have to use the dark web - which isn't really difficult but still requires too much effort/dedication for most to invest like half an hour).

I really liked the very creative end credits btw.

IIRC the main annoying thing was Vee's mom. I don't think that character was really necessary (she felt more like a stupid and overreacting teenager) but at least there where few scenes.

[1] - Technical issues: The few "computer/hacking scenes" are too fancy and have mistakes but are based on real ideas. The app very likely wouldn't be open-source and such a majority based approval system would be super unlikely (difficult to set up, botnets could be used to infect the app with malware/exploits, less control for the creators, etc.). Live streaming requires a lot of bandwidth and doesn't seem realistic for a P2P network (peer-to-peer - i.e. the device of every watcher also serves as a "server", like in the movie). The money transactions via banks aren't anonymous and cryptocurrencies are too annoying/complicated for users. Hacking the bank account of a specific user only really works via phishing (i.e. exploiting the user, not the system). Scraping private information from a users social media accounts (like at the beginning) requires user interaction/approval (semi-joke: except for Facebook, there you only need a bit of money :P). So actually a lot of flaws but again, I don't find the idea too far fetched.

Even as little as five years ago, _Nerve_ couldn't possibly have been made. Which makes me wonder, in four years from when _Nerve_ was made (where the film is set), will it still be at all applicable? Already the social media it makes use of has changed from the time of filming to the date of release... Food for thought...

With that out of the way, the movie itself: Just okay.

The soundtrack is, at best, intrusive. The premise is old hat (although the exact way it's done is new). The message is a little blunt-force (though certainly not to Tomorrowland levels). The plot isn't quite solid. The acting is usually on par, though does occasionally slip. Many character interactions are overtly clichéd, and the filming style, while moderately original, is distracting.

Bt it's still fun, and a little warming. I don't regret paying to watch it in cinemas, but keep in mind that's only because I did so at the "Movie of the Week" discounted price.

_Final rating:★★½ - Had a lot that appealed to me, didn’t quite work as a whole._