The premise here is simple: Five people receive mysterious puzzle boxes inviting them to come and take part in an escape room with the chance of winning $10,000. However, when they arrive they realise there is a deadly twist to these challenges and as they progress through each room, they discover the rooms may have a connection to their past. It’s basically a deadly version of The Crystal Maze.
Now, the concept is ludicrous and the internal logic of the film could definitely be questioned. However, it is very entertaining. There are sequences where one room is very hot, one is very cold, another is upside down and all of these are very well done. They feel tense and claustrophobic and feels like a genuine race against time. At no point during the film are you bored and it is nice to see a horror/thriller that doesn’t rely on constant jump scares and instead uses real tension to create jeopardy.
The characters are very watchable and aren’t annoying, (which it could be easy to make them), which is a plus. In terms of a criticism, the ending is a bit annoying and should have ended five minutes sooner rather than blatantly trying to set up a sequel. But other than that, don’t go in expecting an Oscar winner, but if you want an entertaining, tense film based on the premise of a ‘deadly escape room’, then I would definitely recommend it. 3.5 Stars.
Movie Night 