REVIEW: “Brick” (2025)

Tim, played by Matthias Schweighöfer, is a creative video game designer; his wife, Ruby O. Fee as Olivia, is an architect. This young couple has created many cherished moments together. However, their bond has been strained since the tragic miscarriage they experienced. Since then, Tim has immersed himself in his new project as a means of coping, causing some tension with Olivia who suggests a trip to Paris for a fresh start. Yet, Tim hesitates, explaining he can’t abandon his work responsibilities.

The following day, Olivia rouses Tim with the revelation that she’s departing him. As she endeavors to exit, she stumbles upon an unsettling surprise – their apartment door is sealed off by a puzzling black material resembling bricks. Upon inspecting the windows and drilling into the walls, they uncover that their living space is enclosed within this impenetrable and indestructible substance. This scenario sets the stage for “Brick”, an engrossing new German thriller helmed by director Philip Koch.

The film distinguishes itself through its straightforwardness, yet it carries a meaningful message. “Brick” delves into themes like loneliness, endurance, miscommunication, and sorrow using its complex narrative. These themes are particularly evident in the dynamic between Tim and Olivia, which is strengthened by the convincing portrayals of Schweighöfer and Fee, a real-life couple.

In other words, additional characters become part of the story as it unfolds. Stranded without cell service, internet, and water, a resourceful duo named Tim and Olivia find a surprising means of entry into different apartments. Initially connecting with their immediate neighbors, the unconventional Marvin (Frederick Lau) and his level-headed partner Ana (Salber Lee Williams), they later meet the elderly Oswalt (Axel Werner) and his spirited granddaughter Lea (Sira-Anna Faal). The enigmatic Russian character, Yuri (Murathan Muslu), also makes an appearance, offering cryptic insights about the unusual events taking place.

Every fresh character has their unique advantages and disadvantages. Some exert a greater influence on the storyline, while others’ impacts are less pronounced, making certain outcomes predictable. The usual clashes among characters generate tension, but it’s nothing novel. Beyond Tim and Olivia, the other characters lack sufficient development to make them memorable. Despite fine acting, they frequently appear as mere plot tools rather than significant contributors to the narrative.

However, Koch should be applauded for always keeping us intrigued. He offers a multitude of plausible scenarios, each capable of shedding light on the unfolding events. Are they unknowingly participating in a perplexing game reminiscent of Squid Game? Could the wall perhaps be linked to the mysterious explosion that occurred the day prior? Is it designed to safeguard them from an impending catastrophe? Or is it extraterrestrial in origin? Subtle hints are scattered along the way, eventually bringing everything into sharp focus. Although the finale may not be the most mind-boggling revelation, it provides sufficient resolution to make the trip worthwhile. “Brick” is now available for streaming on Netflix.

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2025-07-24 17:57