Running Towards the Truth : A Look at The Maze Runner
The Maze Runner is a dystopian thriller, which follows a group of teens trapped in an ever changing maze, as they band together to uncover the truth about the organization that put them there.
Hi, I’m Aaron, one of the two people working on FrameByFrame. I am currently a college student studying mainly Maths and Physics, but I absolutely love watching movies and delving into the underlying lore that they are built upon.
“I’m not trying to scare you. You’re already scared. Alright, I’m scared!”
Film Overview
Maze Runner was released in 2014, and is was based off of the 2009 novel with the same name, written by James Dashner. The movie was directed by Was Ball, which made his feature-film debut.
The cast list of the main protagonists include:
Thomas, played by Dylan 0’Brien
Teresa, played by Kaya Scodelario
Newt, played by Thomas Brodie-Sangster
Gally, played by by Will Poulter
Minho, played by Ki Hong Lee
The filming took place in Baton Rouge in Louisiana, allowing the crew to utilise the natural landscape, along with large physical walls that were built by the production crew, with digital effects to enhance them.
Synopsis (May include spoilers)
In a post-disaster dystopian world, the teenage boy named Thomas wakes up in an elevator with no memory of his past, excluding his name. He finds himself in the Glade, a vast enclosed space surrounded by towering walls, opening out into an ever-changing maze. Populated with a group of boys, who also have no recollection of their pasts, they build a rudimentary society and work to “solve” the maze, believing it is their key to freedom.
Each day, a group of “Runners” venture into the maze, mapping it in search for an exit. However it isn’t that simple for them. During the night the maze is filled with deadly biomechanical creatures, which the Gladers refer to as Grievers.
Tensions in the Glade rise when Teresa, the first girl, arrives with a message stating “She is the last one”, as well as having an unknown connection to Thomas. As the group faces loss and betrayal from their own, Thomas begins to uncover fragments of his memory, and realises he may have a deeper connect to the maze than anyone realises.
As time runs out, Thomas and his newfound allies confront the maze’s challenges and their own fears, to uncover the truth behind the organisation that trapped them here.
Strengths of The Maze Runner
I believe that the success of The Maze Runner lies in the well executed ability to captivate an audience through its combination of striking visuals, compelling performances and strong willed themes.
The visual design of the maze is a masterpiece in itself. The towering walls exude a real sense of foreboding and mystery, helping the maze to feel like a living breathing entity. Wes Ball’s direction captures the enormity of the structure, especially during the scenes where the runners are being chased by Grievers. The use of dynamic camera movements in the maze, to contrast the calm transitions in the glade, help add to the claustrophobic sense of dread, keeping the audience on edge.
Dylan O’Brien shines as Thomas, bringing both vulnerability and determination to the role. His portrayal of a reluctant yet brave leader anchors the emotional core of the film. Kaya Scodelario’s Teresa adds intrigue and complexity, while Will Poulter’s Gally stands out as a morally conflicted character. The camaraderie among the cast feels genuine, particularly in the bond between Thomas and Newt (Thomas Brodie-Sangster), which underscores the theme of friendship.
At its heart, The Maze Runner explores the human spirit’s resilience in the face of the unknown. The Gladers’ determination to survive and their reliance on teamwork highlight the importance of unity in overcoming adversity. The ever-changing maze symbolizes life’s unpredictability, while the Grievers personify the fears we must face head-on. These themes resonate universally, elevating the story beyond its action-packed surface.
Weaknesses of The Maze Runner
Although the cast delivers strong performances, some characters feel underdeveloped. For example, Teresa’s introduction is intriguing but her role remains peripheral, leaving her character’s potential largely untapped. For those who read the books prior to watching the films, they may have been left slightly upset at the missing aspect of Thomas and Teresa’s ability to communicate telepathically, and I think this would have helped in expanding on Teresa’s character.
Though the film’s premise is unique, it occasionally falls back on familiar young adult dystopian clichés: the amnesiac protagonist discovering his destiny, a rigid societal hierarchy, and the morally ambiguous authority figures. These elements, while effective, may feel overly familiar to fans of the genre.
Just a reminder, this is all personal opinion and we would love to hear your thoughts, in the comments below.
Despite its minor flaws, The Maze Runner remains a film I deeply love and admire. Its gripping premise, visually stunning world, and themes of friendship and perseverance make it a standout in the young adult dystopian genre. Any negatives—whether it’s the pacing or unanswered questions—are so minimal that they don’t detract from the thrill of the story or the emotional connection it fosters.
At its core, The Maze Runner is an adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat while tugging at your heartstrings, and for me, it’s a film that never fails to captivate. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling, teamwork, and hope, making it a movie I’ll always return to with excitement and appreciation.
We’d love to hear some of your thoughts on the film. Let us know your opinions down in the comments below, and any films you would like to see a deep dive into in the future.