The Maze Runner (2014)

Based on the novel by James Dashner, this film - the first part of a trilogy (I will be reviewing the other films in due course) - has an incredibly interesting concept, and I look forward to seeing how it will play out over the next two films.

A teenage boy named Thomas (Dylan O'Brien) comes to, finding himself in a metal cage that is moving upwards, like an elevator. It comes to a stop, and the top peels back, and he finds himself in the midst of a large number of other boys, curiously staring down at him.

The apparent 'leader' of this group, Alby (Aml Ameen), introduces himself and explains how life works in this group: everyone has their place and their role in this new society; once a month, a new person comes up in the cage (along with the month's ration of food); there is a large maze that only so-called 'runners' are allowed to enter; and, unsettlingly, no one remembers who they were before they came to be here, or why they are here, or who sent them here.

Thomas (Dylan O'Brien) with the maze behind him.

Thomas learns from one of the 'runners', Minho (Ki Hong Lee), that the large maze - which most of the boys hope is their escape route out of this place - changes each night, the walls shifting and changing, so that it is virtually impossible to escape. There are also these horrible creatures known as 'Grievers' who guard the maze and have been known to kill before. It isn't until Thomas arrives that the Grievers begin coming out of the confines of the maze and attacking anyone and everyone.

One of the other boys who has been stuck in this place for years, Gally (Will Poulter), is convinced Thomas isn't all he seems. It doesn't help that Thomas - like everyone else - can't remember who he was before finding himself here. But when the cage rises again after only one day, with not only the first girl (Kaya Scodelario) to ever enter this society, but also a note that reads 'She's the last one EVER' - and she remembers who Thomas is, things get much worse very quickly.

The screenplay, written by Noah Oppenheim and Grant Pierce Myers and T. S. Nowlin from Dashner's novel, is very well-written. I haven't read the book, so I can't comment on the quality of the adaptation itself. I think having seen the film, I would enjoy the book; the plot is very well-constructed, and the characters clearly defined. The many twists and turns of both character and plot as the film progresses are interesting and usually unexpected, which make for an interesting and rewarding viewer experience.

The maze, which changes overnight, and even seals itself shut each night at sundown.

John Paesano's original score is mainly used to highlight the psychological nature of the film as opposed to the physical on-screen action. The music doesn't feel cliched, however, but suits the film very well and doesn't sound the same as every other film score in the same genre.

Enrique Chediak's cinematography is a very strong and vital part of this film. The contrast between light and dark is very strong, and the use of shadow - particularly in sequences that take place within the maze itself - is handled beautifully. Coupled with the production design - courtesy of Marc Fisichella - that gives us a terrifying inanimate antagonist in the maze, the camera angles and choices of lens make these moments truly terrifying.

The performances of the cast, most of whom are teenagers, are fantastic and truly add to the realism and threat of the film. O'Brien is definitely the standout; it is from his point-of-view that we experience the world and little by little come to understand what is going on here. This is a role - and a responsibility - that he takes on and carries well.

The first girl (Kaya Scodelario) and the last ever person to come up in the cage.

Will Poulter - as an antagonist of sorts - also does very well in his role, keeping true to his own convictions at all times; there is a lot more going on behind his eyes than just what's taking place on the surface.

Director Wes Ball has made quite a good film here, and I - as I mentioned earlier - look forward to seeing how the trilogy plays out. I would recommend this film, even if you haven't read the book; it's quite good, and I would happily watch it again.

7 1/2 out of 10.