Netflix’s latest original film Brick delivers an intriguing psychological thriller that begins with a mysterious and surreal concept: a couple wakes up to find a brick wall has sealed them inside their apartment building. The German-language movie blends survival drama and mystery in a tense, enclosed setting—but stumbles in its delivery.
Directed by Sasha Ostrov and starring Matthias Schweighöfer and Ruby O. Fee, Brick follows Tim and Olivia, a couple on the verge of a breakup, who must work together when an impenetrable wall traps them—and their neighbors—inside their Hamburg apartment block. As they dig deeper, both literally and figuratively, they uncover not just secrets about the wall, but about the people locked inside with them.
The film’s core mystery is compelling enough to keep viewers watching. Why is the building sealed? Who or what is behind it? And more urgently—how can they escape? These questions drive the narrative, as the residents form a survival team and navigate the increasingly dangerous situation. However, trust among the group begins to unravel as tensions rise, revealing that the real threat may be from within.
While the central plot offers a strong setup—often compared to an “escape room from hell”—the film’s execution has drawn criticism. Dialogue is frequently over-explained, characters deliver clunky lines, and symbolism is handled with little subtlety. One character, for instance, speculates the wall might be the work of aliens because of “UFO videos on TikTok.”
Despite these flaws, Brick manages to keep viewers engaged, especially those who enjoy mystery-driven stories. The emotional moments between characters, particularly a grandfather-granddaughter duo, offer brief but welcome depth. The film builds toward a mostly satisfying conclusion, though some viewers may find its pacing slow and the CGI effects in the final scenes underwhelming.
Brick is not among Netflix’s best thrillers, but as a streaming option, it may appeal to viewers looking for a suspenseful evening watch. Its puzzle-like narrative and claustrophobic tension give it just enough to rise above its shortcomings—though only barely.
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