When Adam and Larry (Whannell and Elwes) wake up chained to pipes on opposite walls of a gruesome public toilet, they have no idea how they got there or why anyone would do this to them. But as they examine clues in the room (including a body in a pool of blood between them!), they begin to piece together what's happening. And flashbacks tell us more about the sadist who planned this "game" for them, as well as the cops (Glover and Leung) investigating a series of gruesome deaths.

There are echoes of both Cube (a life-or-death game) and Seven (horrifically imaginative murders), and the film also adopts Seven's grimy look as it slowly gives us the puzzle pieces that fill in the story. And as one ghastly truth after another is revealed, the film really grabs hold of us. It helps that the entire thing is firmly based on the characters, all of whom are seriously flawed people. Writer Whannell is very good as the hapless, secretive Adam; and Elwes plays nicely against type as the seemingly straight-arrow doctor who has plenty of secrets of his own, as well as a wife and daughter (Potter and Vega) in danger back home. There's a clever dynamic between these two men who don't trust each other at all, but really need to.

Meanwhile, Wan cranks up the direction to almost unbearable levels. There is a lot of grisliness on screen and yet he knows that keeping some things out of view makes them even worse! The murder-game scenarios are so revoltingly awful that they'd be unbearable if it weren't for a stream of black wit running through the whole film, not to mention the script's striking inventiveness. There are several moments in which we simply cannot believe that a filmmaker would take us to this point. Then Wan and Whannell push us even further. And in the process create a thriller that's truly a classic.

estoy_un_punto, net: "Oh my god! Such a twisted film! But I was riveted to it! I actually had to look away at some points, but it was brilliant. The twist was great and the final line - 'Game over' - inspired!" (3.Oct.04)

Miss fraft, England: "What an absolute jaw dropper of a film! Yeah the story could have been improved, and the acting was pretty stiff at times - especially Elwes. But the general idea was fantastic. The cinema was pretty packed and at one point in the film the whole cinema gasped. See it with an open mind. There are parts of the film that are not new ideas, but if you want to watch an entertaining film that WILL keep you watching it is a must! This film is pretty gruesome at times - but it is more in the way of what your mind is telling you not necessarily what you see on the screen. There are disturbing flashbacks - but if you saw them any longer than a quick glimpse it would ruin the film (they are clues in themselves) and would be sick. As for the ending, I pretty much doubt anyone could honestly guess what was coming next! I only hope the film is a one off and no sequels are made. Yes you're beggin for more - but then that's the whole idea of a good film." (14.Oct.04)