The Maze Runner - Film Review

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The Maze Runner, directed by Wes Ball and based on James Dashner’s bestselling 2009 novel, is a dystopian sci-fi thriller that follows a group of teenagers trapped in a massive, ever-shifting maze. Released in 2014 as the first instalment of The Maze Runner series, the film stars Dylan O’Brien as Thomas, a young man who awakens with no memory in a mysterious, enclosed area called “the Glade.” He soon realises that the only escape is through a vast maze filled with deadly creatures called Grievers and shifting walls designed to trap or kill those who enter it.

The plot and themes of The Maze Runner reflect not only the familiar tensions of the young adult dystopian genre but also the anxieties of facing unknown dangers, the quest for self-identity, and the struggle for freedom. This intricate, adrenaline-fueled thriller combines elements of mystery, horror, and survival, making it a unique and compelling story that has resonated with audiences.

The story begins with Thomas (O'Brien) waking up in an elevator, confused and disoriented. He has no memory of who he is or how he got there, knowing only his first name. When the elevator reaches the top, he is greeted by a group of boys who live in a grassy area surrounded by tall, impassable walls. Known as “the Glade,” this area serves as the home of these young men, all of whom arrived in the same way and with similarly erased memories. Led by a hierarchy that has developed over time, the boys work together to survive, with each assigned roles that ensure the functioning of their mini-society.

Thomas soon learns about the maze surrounding the Glade and the dangers within it. Every day, “Runners” venture into the maze to find a possible exit, mapping out its constantly shifting paths. However, no one has ever successfully escaped, and the maze is home to the Grievers—massive, bio-mechanical creatures that attack any who cross their path. The maze changes every night, closing its doors and trapping anyone who doesn’t make it back to the Glade in time.

Thomas quickly feels a strong desire to become a Runner, despite the risks. His curiosity and natural leadership qualities set him apart from others, and he becomes determined to find a way out, even as tensions rise among the boys. When the first female Glader, Teresa (Kaya Scodelario), arrives with a mysterious message and seems to share a unique connection with Thomas, the urgency to escape heightens. Together, Thomas, Teresa, and the other Gladers must confront the maze’s secrets, the Grievers, and the unsettling reality of why they were placed in the maze to begin with.

One of the central themes of The Maze Runner is survival under extreme and mysterious circumstances. The Gladers must quickly learn to adapt to the constraints of their environment, relying on one another and the roles they assign to maintain a semblance of order. Survival in the Glade demands resilience, teamwork, and the ability to overcome fear. This sense of adaptation becomes a metaphor for the challenges of adolescence, where young people are thrust into unfamiliar territories and must learn to navigate complex social structures.

The Gladers’ ability to adapt also plays out in their roles, with some serving as farmers, builders, or Runners. Thomas’s arrival brings a shift in this dynamic, as he challenges the status quo and redefines what survival means. His determination to leave the maze rather than merely live within it introduces a new dimension to the group’s sense of survival—one that includes hope and the possibility of escape rather than mere endurance.

The amnesia experienced by Thomas and the other Gladers symbolises the universal search for identity, particularly in adolescence. With their memories erased, the Gladers must rely on their instincts and personalities to understand who they are in this strange environment. The lack of memory raises questions about nature versus nurture—whether the boys’ personalities are intrinsic or shaped solely by their environment in the Glade.

Thomas’s character development, in particular, revolves around piecing together fragments of his past and determining what kind of person he wants to be. His curiosity, bravery, and eventual leadership role show his growth in self-identity. The mystery surrounding the Gladers’ amnesia also adds to the suspense, as Thomas and his companions wonder why their memories were taken and if they can ever recover them.



The maze represents a literal and metaphorical prison, encapsulating themes of confinement, restriction, and control. The Gladers are confined to the Glade and the maze without explanation or choice, living under an unseen authority that manipulates their lives. This power dynamic is a reflection of broader societal structures, where individuals often feel controlled by forces beyond their understanding or influence.

The desire to escape the maze becomes synonymous with the desire for freedom, both from physical constraints and from the oppressive control of the organisation responsible for their imprisonment, later revealed to be WCKD (World in Catastrophe: Killzone Experiment Department). WCKD’s control over the Gladers and their lives raises ethical questions about authority, experimentation, and the lengths to which people will go to justify their actions in the name of a greater good.

**Thomas (Dylan O'Brien): As the protagonist, Thomas is characterised by his courage, empathy, and relentless drive to uncover the truth. His journey from a confused newcomer to a determined leader highlights his resilience and natural leadership. Thomas’s curiosity and refusal to accept the rules as they are set him apart from the others, marking him as both a disruptor and a hero.

Newt (Thomas Brodie-Sangster): As the second-in-command, Newt is thoughtful, level-headed, and compassionate. He helps Thomas adjust to life in the Glade and represents the balance between the Gladers’ need for order and their desire for freedom.

Alby (Aml Ameen): Alby is the first Glader and the group’s leader, whose primary concern is keeping the peace and protecting the others. Alby’s leadership style reflects his cautious approach to survival, and his character represents the struggle to balance security with the unknown.

Minho (Ki Hong Lee): The leader of the Runners, Minho is courageous and resourceful, often risking his life to map the maze. His friendship with Thomas is one of mutual respect, and he is a pivotal figure in the group’s eventual escape.

Gally (Will Poulter): Gally is the film’s antagonist within the Glade, representing the resistance to change. His fear of the unknown and loyalty to the established rules put him in direct opposition to Thomas, creating tension and conflict among the Gladers.

Teresa (Kaya Scodelario): Teresa’s arrival signals a shift in the Gladers’ reality, as she seems to know Thomas from before the maze. Her presence adds mystery and complexity, with her connection to Thomas hinting at a shared past that could hold the key to understanding their situation.

The cinematography and production design of The Maze Runner contribute significantly to the film's tone, creating an atmosphere of suspense and danger. The maze itself, with its towering walls and ever-shifting pathways, is both a marvel of design and a source of terror, embodying the constant threat that looms over the Gladers. The dark, oppressive corridors of the maze contrast with the open spaces of the Glade, visually reinforcing the dual nature of the world the characters inhabit.

The Grievers are another standout aspect of the film’s visual design. These bio-mechanical creatures are terrifying in their unpredictability, combining insect-like movements with a monstrous appearance that makes them formidable adversaries. The design of the Grievers adds to the horror elements of the film, elevating the maze’s dangers beyond mere walls and pathways.

The Maze Runner received positive reviews for its action sequences, strong performances, and its ability to create tension and suspense. Critics praised Dylan O’Brien’s performance as Thomas and the film’s dedication to a darker, more intense atmosphere compared to other young adult adaptations. The film’s success at the box office led to two sequels, Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015) and Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2018), which expand upon the dystopian world introduced in the first film.

The film’s influence extends beyond its genre, inspiring conversations about resilience, self-discovery, and the nature of freedom. Its themes resonate with audiences navigating their own uncertainties, mirroring the sense of confinement, struggle, and hope that characterises adolescence and the search for one’s path in life.

The Maze Runner is a thought-provoking, suspenseful exploration of survival, identity, and the desire for freedom. Its rich characters, complex themes, and unique setting make it a memorable addition to the dystopian genre. By blending action, mystery, and psychological depth, The Maze Runner offers more than a simple escape thriller—it presents a commentary on human resilience and the courage needed to seek truth and self-discovery, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

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