The Maze Runner

Based on the book by James Dashner and the first in the trilogy, The Maze Runner is exciting and tense throughout. Although the cast are for the most part in their 20s and the books were written for young adults, this film is not just for teens. It spawns from the new generation of young adult novels that acknowledge its audiences’ intellectual ability by having the sense of an over-arching moral and political story – much like The Hunger Games. The Maze Runner keeps the audience intrigued by giving them same amount of information as the protagonist Thomas (Dylan O’Brein) – namely, not very much.

Of an almost entirely male cast many are British, a pleasant surprise to see so many recognisable faces in leading roles. Alby (Aml Ameen), the longest resident of the Glades enforces a productive system on the Gladers. From the start of our protagonists’ arrival, change ensues and not for the better. The disruption to their peaceful society leads Gally (Will Poulter) to believe that Thomas is the cause of it. The tension between Thomas and Gally rises through the film as Thomas’ curiosity creates large waves in their living system. Focused on escaping the maze, Thomas reminds the Gladers that the Glade is not their home, that they were taken and must escape.

The arrival of Tessa (Kaya Scodelario) surprisingly does not spur any romantic relations: this was unexpected and added a sense of reality to the situation. The plot is driven by Thomas and his desire to learn about the situation they are in, not leaving much time for romance.

Throughout the film the audience are rejected omniscience, which keeps tensions running high. Towards the end of the film more information about their situation is released to the characters; however, just when it appears we know more, a contradictory scene is shown, providing viewers with something else. This little taste of power excites the audience for the second instalment in The Maze Runner series.

 

Hannah St Jean

The Maze Runner is released nationwide on 10^th October 2014.

Watch the trailer for The Maze Runner here: