Cube - A Movie Review

How are we going to get out of here? Is there a way out?

Finding its way into theaters in 1997, Cube is a mystery thriller about a small group of people who wake up in a strange environment. Tracking their way through this endless maze of deadly traps, the group has to learn to trust each other in this precarious situation.

Cube is one of the most underrated thrillers that I have ever seen. From the moment it starts, Cube is suspenseful. Not only does it make you feel paranoid and claustrophobic in its confined spaces, but Cube is also an outstanding film that enforces a message on how to work with people you would not normally connect with.

Nicole de Boer, Nicky Guadagni, David Hewlett, Andrew Miller, Wayne Robson, and Maurice Dean Wint take their characters to the next level. This film is all about character dynamics. You have the nerd, the cop, someone who is mentally challenged, and a slacker. Cube is more about character development than the thriller aspect of it all.

Differing in personality, the group of six are put to the ultimate test. Cube is an equal mixture of suspense and character development. Slowly, layers are peeled away revealing secrets or backgrounds that nobody knows about. As perfectly described regarding the cube, “(We) don’t reveal ourselves right away.”

The most startling aspect of Cube is how people can put on their own masks to fool someone. Quentin (Wint) is the best example. Starting off as a gentle person who lightly encourages the best out of everyone, his true colors unveil who he is.

Cube challenged actors. It’s also a test for viewers. Who do you look up to? Do you root for this person just because you relate to them? You may not realize how much you really judge someone until you watch this film. I was actually surprised when I found myself second-guessing my opinions on most of the characters. Never underestimate anybody’s abilities based on their personality, background, or disability.

The set for Cube was compact. You’ll be surprised to know that Cube was only made on one set. Filmmakers only had to change the color or the angle of each of the several rooms the group explores through. Most of the film is a physical challenge as the character’s journey through this cube climbing up ladders, walking for prolonged hours, or even having to crawl on the ceiling.

Cube is stressful. This cube is a weapon. Most of the chambers have a deadly weapon that could kill you. The ambiguity of which room is dangerous increases the tension. In this one scene I was holding my breath, fearing that if I emitted the slightest noise, something terrible would happen. Movies have an effect on audiences.

The unknown stays the unknown in Cube. Vincenzo Natali did an extraordinary job making audiences feel like they were on another planet. He was met with a couple of technical challenges but that did not stop him from creating a suspenseful film that grabs an audience's attention in seconds.

The best part of Natali’s direction was his attention to character. That’s what the film is all about. While we have the ability to choose our friends, the group of six is powerless to choose who they want to be trapped with. Every day we are challenged to make a connection. Making connections and learning to work with people you wouldn’t normally be with is an important moral.

You never know what to expect in Cube. The dialogue, story, and directing is excellent. I recommend Cube to anybody.