Verdict:
Cube is an odd animal. It feels different from other horror movies that came before it. Oh sure, the idea of putting people into a situation where they start getting killed one by one as they try to find a way to save themselves from a mysterious danger is not new, and there are other horror movie clichés here too, but there is a difference in presentation that separates this movie from other horror films.
The set looks cool and minimalistic; there are elements of psychological thriller in the interactions of the characters and their background; there are no guns and no monster; and the camera work and the pacing are different from your average flick.
The film’s about a group of people stuck inside a deadly puzzle. The group progresses through the puzzle, while navigating the relationship with one another and dealing with their own issues.
Cube can come off as both dumb and smart. The dialogue, on one hand, takes a dip in quality. It is not very original and just does not flow naturally. It is horror movie writing, which is to say: bad.
Visual presentation, on the other hand, is the Cube’s most distinguishing feature. The whole thing takes place inside a cuboid puzzle, which looks like the interior of an alien spaceship. This must have been money saving, because all you really need is one or two sets and a few colourful lamps to light the plastic a different colour, but it also looks very effective and unique. The characters are all wearing grey prison outfits. The set, the outfits and the use of white lights create a sterile look like in some alien hospital. The camera rotates from one Dutch angle to the other, creating a sense of unease. These angles, the close-up shots of people’s faces and the bulging eyes of the actor Maurice Dean Wint all contribute to the claustrophobic crazy alien look that this film has.
The film does use some CGI, which looks terrible, but may have been impressive when this movie first came out.
I want to give this film a higher praise but some of the acting and the writing was irritating. It is however one of the better horror movies out there and definitely one of the more original looking ones.