Escape Room - A Movie Review

We cannot lose hope. Let’s get out of these escape rooms alive.

Escape Room first aired in theaters in 2019. A group of six strangers are brought to an escape room challenge. Only these are not just any escape rooms. In each room lies one of the player’s greatest fear. They must use their wits if they are going to survive.

In preparation for the sequel, I sat down and watched Escape Room. Exploring right the right depths of characterization, this film is an epic ride from beginning to end. Escape Room is all about working together as a team and learning to overcome past traumas.

The ensemble of Escape Room’s energy was noteworthy. None of the characters are one-dimensional which is what I was expecting. For a film like this, connecting to your character is integral. As the audience, who do you connect with? Audiences' minds are tested based on how they relate to the characters.

Credits go to Taylor Russell, Logan Miller, Jay Ellis, Tyler Labino, Deborah Ann Wall, and Nik Dodani. Each character has something in common. Using their grief, they learn that their insecurities are not something to fear. Rather it is better to face them instead of forgetting. Doing these escape rooms help them realize that they are capable of so much more.

What I liked most was how I could connect to the characters. This is the most important detail in any movie. I liked the way the cast delved into their characters, specifically Labine and Dodani. We have all been around somebody who is over-enthusiastic about something. However, we don’t know what that person has been through.

We don’t have the power to choose who we want to get stuck with. It’s better to get to know somebody instead of creating tension. That’s one of my favorite arcs when it comes to adventure films. You never know what you’ll have in common.

Filmmakers did an extraordinary job setting up each escape room. I was impressed with the pacing. The actor's direction felt natural if this scene were to occur in real life. Most of the cast had to perform their own stunts in the jungle gym scenes. For a film like this one has to have a lot of energy.

Cinematography was notable in a few sequences, molding how tough this situation is. By tilting the camera upside down or even blurring the screen, the filmmakers wanted to showcase the unique abilities of these escape rooms.

Trauma is the main theme that Adam Robitel studied. We all have different strategies for handling trauma. Robital excelled in the designs for the escape rooms. He also did a great job with an equal mixture of characterization and action.

It’s an engaging film throughout. The ending could have had a more solid conclusion, but after watching the sequel I understand why it took this route.

Be prepared to get thrown into the adventure. You can feel the stress of the situation. What makes Escape Room entertaining are the visuals. It’s not gory either. But, boy is it a tense film. Audiences may be triggered by certain elements.

After watching this film, I am not sure if I ever want to compete in an escape room challenge. But that’s the best part about films. It’s all about the ‘what if’. How does an escape room test people’s abilities? While Escape Room copies themes and cliches from other thrillers, it’s still an enjoyable film.

I enjoyed Escape Room. It had me on the edge of my seat. Go watch Escape Room and then go check out the sequel.