Movie Review: The Maze Runner

Imagine awaking in a moving elevator, with no idea where you are, how you got there, or even who you are. This is how The Maze Runner begins. Once a month a new boy is sent into what is called “The Glade.” The Glade is an enclosed area, surrounded by a maze. For three years, the boys have adapted to their new environment, even though they have no memories about their life prior to The Glade. The only memory they are given is their name.

Each boy has a responsibility in The Glade, with a select group of boys taking on the duty as “runners” who map and search the maze each day, hoping to find an escape. The runners must be back in time each evening, because the maze closes and no one has ever survived a night in the maze. With no success in their search for freedom, they are losing hope, but continue to focus on trusting each other and working together in the community. All of this has worked, until a new boy arrives and questions everything. 

MTV’s Teen Wolf breakout star, Dylan O’Brien leads the cast as the newest Glader, Thomas. His performance is strong and memorable in each intense scene. As Thomas learns the way around his new home, he proves his strength and leads the boys to find more answers about the maze than they have found in their entire time there. All of this is complicated when a girl arrives, played by Kaya Scodelario, and recognizes Thomas.

The other cast members include Aml Ameen, who plays the boys’ leader, and Ki Hong Lee, who plays the head runner. The cast is rounded out by Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Will Poulter, and Blake Cooper. 

After seeing the trailer for this film many months ago, I felt immediately intrigued and considered reading the book series. Over the years I have read quite a few of these young adult series, and decided this time I would have a new experience by not reading the books. I think I made the right decision, not because I don’t think the books would be worth my time, but I found the movie incredibly enjoyable not knowing at all what would happen.

The Maze Runner ends on a cliff-hanger twist, which may disappoint the casual watcher. I was left with a few questions at the end of the film, but I am excited to see the next installments because of the exhilarating action and interesting characters.