I had not seen the trailer before I watched The Dungeon Masters this weekend. Consequently I went in thinking it’d be a documentary about three different Dungeon Masters doing their thing in the context of their life. And it was, for the most part. It was also a brutal affair that left me feeling uncertain about the extent to which it mirrored my own connection to the hobby and the people I have played with.

All three people the documentary followed were not what I would consider average roleplayers. They certainly possessed characteristics traditionally associated with the stereotypes of roleplaying but the portrayal created a theme that roleplayers, were damaged, powerless people. No counterpoint was offered and the documentary was poorer for it.

What was most interesting about the film was watching the trailer afterwards. The film it promised was not the same as the one I saw. This is hardly a new thing but, without spoiling it, I recommend watching the film and then the trailer included with the bonus features.

Overall, I think roleplayers will find it interesting but, like me, unsettling.