Cube, Canadian horror/science fiction from 1997 recently arrived on Netflix. This one was cited as a comparison during the release of the film The Platform. Posted online during the confinement on the catalog of the famous red N. However, Cube is much more convincing in the end. A feature film to (re)discover.
Far be it from us to denigrate Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia's film, which let us recall it, received an audience award at the Toronto International Film Festival. A great reward for the Spanish film. He who was picked up by Netflix after the fact. But, it must be said, Cube who may have served as a reference, surpasses him. Moreover, the latter will also leave with a prize during the 1997 edition of TIFF. But we are not here to denigrate The Platform. Especially since many of us still appreciated it. Today, it is for Cube that we write these lines.
A well-crafted film
With its 1h26 of footage, this science fiction thriller with a horror bent, is therefore short. Short compared to what we are used to seeing in recent years. Where the ideal format according to the film industry is rather around 2 hours. So, with this duration, it allows you to get straight to the heart of the matter from the first minutes. And above all to stay taking until the end.
Moreover, as a closed door we could suspect it but contemplation is therefore not a premium. Although, some closed doors like 2001: A Space Odyssey or even Gravity (similar in terms of duration) could be. No here, everything is in tension, from beginning to end. And the décor has a lot to do with it. Indeed, according to production designer Jasna Stefanovic, each piece measures 4.30 meters by 4.30 meters. As a result, we feel just as locked in as the protagonists trying to escape from this hell.
And these characters, six in number, not to mention the very first character that we see apart from the group to present us the stakes. They must then try to solve problems to hope to move safely in a cubic labyrinth and riddled with traps. One piece, six sides, six hatches (Coincidence? I don't think) which one to choose to move forward?
Koh Lanta in a giant Rubik's Cube
Why Koh Lanta ? First, because we find among these six adventures… Characters. Well-marked personalities. Each has a different character from the others and specific skills. Secondly, there are trials in front of them. How to find the solution to emerge victorious?
Finally, it is obviously a question of survival. And for that, nothing obvious when it is necessary to move forward in community. This is one of the themes of the film. And then, we do not say more but small eliminations can happen. Frankly, only Denis Brogniart is missing for the next season to be successful!
"Don't look for a reason, look for a way out"
More seriously, the film manages to keep us in suspense. And as a high point, manages to make us ask questions about the deep nature of man. Because of its outcome, but also because of its unfolding. Since yes, Vincenzo Natali also in the script with André Bijelic and Graeme Manson, have laid us characters that we can believe. Admittedly, a little caricatured sometimes, in their extraordinary capacities in particular. But still, we can believe it if we assume that they were chosen to wander in this giant puzzle. It may not be for nothing. Then, above all, there are still deeply human characters in their reactions. And inevitably, you will be able to identify with at least one of them.
Before concluding, and to finish our comparison with The Platform. Cube, first of the name, yes, because there is a sequel and a prequel. Manages to be both mysterious about its end and at the same time concrete. In the sense that we understand and we can imagine the future. All this, just watching the movie. Unlike its Spanish counterpart, which will see Netflix (Themselves! Not videographers next door) release an explanatory video on the interpretations to have. Initiative, perhaps not the responsibility of the director, but still. This is significant about the success of this ending vis-à-vis the viewer.
To conclude, we strongly advise you to see or review this work on Netflix. Despite some transitions and dated effects. Cube by its minimalism has not really aged. So, on these rainy afternoons, and this period full of privations, as we write these lines. It will make you pass the time and maybe also see the bright side of things about us.
VF Trailer of Cube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2RSwIPg1o8&ab_channel=FilmsExclu
