Cube Review

Without any build-up, introduction or establishment of plot, we’re thrown straight into Cube headfirst. A smarter writer than I would dive into a review of Vincenzo Natali’s late nineties thriller without introduction, much like the somewhat cult-classic that depicts a group of strangers looking for a way out of a large cubic prison rigged with traps. A maze that brings together a small assembly of characters, each with one unique ability necessary to their escape. Cube is relatively primitive in its presentation, and suffers from the hallmarks of the period it comes from, but it overcomes those rather swiftly to present a surprisingly thought-out, entertaining thriller.

Natali’s direction on this independent project is tremendous, and it’s a shame his work behind the camera isn’t as prominently discussed as it should be. Ingenuity flowing proudly through the production of the film, Cube manages to do quite a bit in the way of storytelling and aesthetically engaging choices with a relatively middling budget. An endless cycle of near-identical rooms, the only difference being the colour and potentially fatal traps that hide and lurk in plain sight. There’s no need for build-up in the tension, especially not when it’s so clear and simplistic. A group that, if it weren’t for necessity, wouldn’t get along, work together to try and evade their inevitable fates of dying inside the world’s most miserable maze.

Performances from Maurice Dean Wint and Nicole de Boer as Quentin and Leaven make for apt leading characters who, for the most part, are competent in their roles as short-tempered, terrified individuals. Those aforementioned hallmarks of the ninety’s iconography can be found in pockets throughout, wide-eyed performances, over-the-top, dramatic tension from Wint, but it ultimately makes for an endearing watch. It’s not a bad performance per se, but one that wraps itself in the surroundings. It takes a bit of getting used to, but Cube offers up clunky performances, but clean fun. A cast that works together with surprising liveliness as they skirt the line between scenery-chewing and wildly thrilling.

A very good time can be found within Cube, and whilst its tight grip on convention and inability to move away from the “a group that is picked off one by one” shtick can leave a sour taste in the mouth for some, there’s no denying that it’s a fun movie. Well-made, well-performed, but not the greatest piece ever crafted. Entertainingly forgettable, a film that won’t tax the mind whatsoever, and can offer up a short, thrilling time. A time capsule for late nineties iconography and a wholly interesting story make Cube a solid thriller, a good movie to watch with friends.