What Is A ‘Maze Runner?’ And Why Should You Care?

It seems like every week there’s a new movie coming out that was based on a popular YA series, and it’s starting to feel like all these films are blending together. So, what sets this weekend’s new release, The Maze Runner, apart from the rest of these big screen YA adaptations? Why should you give it a try? And, for the love of all that is good and sane and noble, what exactly is a “Maze Runner?” You’ve got questions about the film and we’ve got answers.

What Is The Maze Runner?

The Maze Runner is a 2014 film starring Dylan O’Brien that is based on the bestselling YA novel of the same name.

Okay. Well, what is a “Maze Runner?”

It’s a super smart and super fast kid who has been dispatched by the other kids in the Glade to run through the massive labyrinth that traps them everyday and to report back at night with what he saw. His goal is to map out the Maze.

Hold on. What’s “the Glade?” Why is there a big maze? Why do these kids need a map? WHAT IS GOING ON?!?!?

Here’s the thing you have to understand about The Maze Runner: it’s literally about a bunch of kids who have no clue what is going on.

The opening chapter — and I’m assuming, the opening scene in the film — features our protagonist, Thomas (played by the aforementioned O’Brien), waking up without his memory in a scary freight elevator. When the elevator opens, he’s welcomed by a grubby group of teen boys who have created their own makeshift society in an open area they call “The Glade.” This open area is completely surrounded by a gargantuan maze. Walls close in on the boys every night, which is a blessing and a curse. Sure, it means they are all trapped, but it also means they are safe from these super crazy murder machines they call “Grievers.” There’s more weird stuff going on, but I don’t want to overwhelm you.

Basically, it’s about a kid who wakes up and discovers he’s been thrust into a world that’s like Lord of the Flies meets Labyrinth. The film is about him trying to figure out how he got to The Glade, why he was sent to The Glade, and how to solve the riddle of the Maze.

So, why are these kids being sent to The Glade? C’mon. You can give me spoilers.

It’s basically your typical run-of-the mill YA dystopian future stuff. I could say more, but I don’t want to give you any more big spoilers.

I thought all dystopian YA fiction was about strong female characters who have to choose between two boys and save the world. What gives with this story?

This might be a revolutionary concept, but boys can be heroes, too.

You said that Thomas comes to and is greeted by a group of boys. Are there ANY girls in The Maze Runner?

There’s one big female character. Her name is Theresa. She’s being played by Skins alumna Kaya Scodelario. She’s the only girl to ever get sent to The Glade, so naturally most of the boys are scared of her. Also, did we mention she’s the only girl? That means she and our strapping young hero, Thomas, naturally have a “connection.”

Okay. I have a better idea of what The Maze Runner is supposed to be about, but why should I care?

The Maze Runner books are well-plotted thrillers, and well-plotted thrillers are always fun to watch on the big screen.

No. Tell me why I should care.

Even if you’re not into YA dystopian fare, you should check out The Maze Runner because there are a bunch of future stars in the film. Dylan O’Brien is undoubtedly going to be the breakout star of Teen Wolf and Kaya Scodelario has been poised to break out since her run on Skins wrapped a few years ago. The film also co-stars Will Poulter (We’re The Millers) and Thomas Brodie-Sangster (Love Actually, Game of Thrones).  At least one, if not all four, of these actors are poised to go on to greater things. Whether it does good or bad at the box office, The Maze Runner is going to be a great showcase for each of them.

Are there going to be more Maze Runner movies?

Possibly. There are two more books in the series that filmmakers could adapt.

Are the books good?

I’ve only read the first one. I enjoyed it, but not enough to keep going with the series. But then, I was coming off a year of a lot of YA and just couldn’t handle any more teens being brave in the dystopian future.

You read a lot of YA? Ha! Nerd.

Okay. Yes. I’m a nerd.

The Maze Runner opens nationwide in theaters on September 19.

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Photos: The Everett Collection