Tension squared

Rating: 10/10 (18 December 1999)

Employing the old adage less is more, Cube has just one main set, although it is reused with different lighting and effects to form separate cells of a larger cube.
Into this mathematically perfect, lethal prison are a handful of eclectic strangers, each with their own special gift. One is a cop; another is obsessed with conspiracy theories; the youngest is a maths genius; there's a con man and an inmate with a dark secret. There's also an autistic young man who ups the tension several notches when our heroes have to go from one cell to another - except any sound they make could result in instant death from acoustically primed traps.
The script is fresh and original; the cast likeable and engaging with the added bonus that none of them carries the baggage of several similar sci-fi offerings to interrupt your suspension of disbelief.
Having seen this in the same week as the yawnsome Arnie offering End of Days, there's no doubt that this is the stronger film made for a fraction of the budget and with some far better actors.
The movie looks great with the pacing and action never hindered by the rather claustrophobic setting. There's also a highly addictive soundtrack which has all the impact of a waking dream.

Nicole de Boer as the brainy Leaven is an attractive heroine without having the jaw dropping charm of Gillian Anderson.
Director Vincenzo Natali also looks like being a name to watch although it's a pity that with a larger budget and more expansive sets, his talent could be diluted by a broader canvas.
We shall see.