Film Review | Maze Runner: The Death Cure

Maze Runner: The Death Cure is directed by Wes Ball and stars Dylan O'Brien, Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Kaya Scodelario.

Action/Sci-Fi/Thriller. Released 2018.

It had been almost two and a half years since the simply okay second entry in this franchise was released and a long while since I read the James Dashner's books, so I wasn't immensely anticipating this finale due to my gradually deteriorating interest in the story and world. But I stuck by it.

And I'm glad I did.

I was very pleasantly surprised by this final instalment as a result of it's fast pace (despite the 140 minute runtime) thrilling action sequences, and the surprisingly intimate performances given by the leads.

Wes Ball does an excellent job at re-establishing this post-apocalyptic dystopia as well as introducing audiences to the 'Last City' (which I believe is a much more suited title). The city is visually enthralling, especially when the film is set at night. There is brilliant world-building here, widening the scope and therefore increasing stakes. 

The Death Cure features several thrilling action sequences, shot and choreographed incredibly skilfully. They are evenly distributed throughout the film, but - as to be presumed - there is a significant amount of intense action in the final act, with lasting consequences that have traumatic effects upon both the characters in the film as well as the audience watching.

This is a result of the very strong work by Dylan O'Brien, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Kaya Scodelario and the rest of the ensemble cast; audiences can't help but care about these characters, especially the touching central friendship between Thomas and Newt. Now that the Maze Runner franchise is complete, O'Brien should be looking for high profile projects to put him in an A-list position, because he shows tremendous potential here and would be deserving of that status in years to come.

In regards to the central plot, it's still not entirely convincing. There are convincing elements, but they are the results of the strong world-building by Wes Ball and the character development portrayed so convincingly by the leading cast, and not so much a testament to the script - however, this isn't a glaring issue, because every other element of this film is so strong that it is somewhat out-weighed, and there are several points where I was in fact invested in the story, especially the final act.

The film ends with a very intimate poignancy which makes for some raw, emotional moments: the perfect way to wrap up this trilogy. I applaud Wes Ball for seeing it through until the end.

A very thrilling and satisfying

conclusion to the Maze Runner franchise

with exciting action and strong performances.

This isn't a must-see, but if you've watched the first two then I recommend you watch this to finish the journey with these characters. You'll have a good time.

Be thrilled if you haven't already :)