Director Will Wernick, has once already tackled the subject of “Escape Rooms” in his film Escape Room [2017] (not the same as the blockbuster film by Adam Robitel), and now he again returns to the same topic with different variation of film that he wrote, which includes some reference to Saw, that which motivates the main character Cole to conquer puzzles with acceptance for intense level.

As a star of social media and an influencer, Cole (Keegan Allen) does nearly anything to continue to drive his success it has only risen for the past 10-years, therefore with his vlog in the millions his ego spiraling out of control thanks in part to his sociological assault on media models. Now that the year marks a major anniversary his audience is determined to really get him in deep with a special project, his devoted entourage has accepted an offer from an extremely wealthy Russian patron of his. This individual is offering to pay for his entourage’s flight, loggings and especially to participate in the ultimate Escape Room to challenge him with puzzles and tasks that only he knows how to solve. Once arriving in Moscow, he and his friends enjoy the sights and parties, but finally move into the escape room drama, it appears as an abduction and nothing is going in the pattern that Cole and his pals wanted. Quickly, enough Cole questions his friends about this Russian, not the most appropriate time. The puzzles are more like traps there’re no clues and his friends go from enjoyment to fear, as some nearing drown and one of them trapped is directly lifted from Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995) concerning water jugs. Meanwhile the movie progresses onward and the rooms become more dimly lit and two muscle bound figures lurk around in leather butcher aprons. Sadly, I need to end here, for any further will result in an avalanche of spoilers.

The film ends without a final conclusion, it’s suggested someone crossing over the threshold of sanity, driven to madness, it appeared as if the story volleys between tensions and too many twists. There’s a clear indication with the pacing to divide the movie into a tight three act segment, however to Wernick’s credit his usage of stock footage to match the storyline for the characters, thereby stretching the budget.

Now if this storyline sounds unique and even working on the social media platform in a new manner, well that’s slightly incorrect on the television show Chicago Med Season 5 Episode 8 has an influencer needing to obey his fans wishes against medical treatment to save his life. The conceptual design is thoroughly intended for viewers that understand the meaning of “influencer” and how desperate someone can get to achieve those precious likes which translate into cash. Often in real life one hears of a person going to the extreme and over that fine line which risks and ends their lives just for one more like or subscription. These concepts likely elude a core of watchers, in addition the movie appears more as a water down version of Saw [2004] meets April Fool’s Day [1986] and if you know that movie you know this one too.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8160834/

IMDb Rating: 5.3/10

Baron’s Rating: 5.0/10