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Metro
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Now I want to watch Netflix's 'ultimate grandmother of all bad movies ever made'
A new Netflix film has been causing a lot of chatter after being added to the streaming platform yesterday – but mainly for all the wrong reasons. However, when an early viewer described this psychological thriller as 'the ultimate grandmother of all bad movies ever made', it actually made me keen to see it and find out whether or not I agree with that bold description. Brick, a German-language release, does have an intriguing central conceit: A couple wakes up to find an ominous brick wall has been built overnight, surrounding their apartment building and trapping them inside. They must then unite with their wary neighbours to uncover the secrets of the wall and try to find a way out alive. Written and directed by Philip Koch, Brick stars Oppenheimer actor Matthias Schweighöfer, Ruby O. Fee, Frederick Lau and Salber Lee Williams. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. It's not charmed critics, as it currently sits on a dismal rating of just 29% on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, with FandomWire's account complaining that the movie 'isn't over-the-top enough to be fun or intense enough to be gripping'. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'Even a perfectly workable thriller premise needs engaging writing, directing and performances to bring it to life, and in this capacity, Netflix's new feature Brick is as utterly inert as its title,' Paste Magazine's review added, which was published with the headline 'Netflix's new sci-fi thriller is dumb as a Brick'. Collider suggested that in Brick's final act 'the wall feels less like a fascinating puzzle to solve and more like a monotonous problem to overcome', while Clint Worthington for wrote: 'It's frustrating to see such high-concept potential, some decent production design, and a couple of game leads fall victim to a mystery that unfolds with thudding obviousness'. Others were more positive, with Allan Hunter for Screen International acknowledging that, while Brick is more conventional in its later stages, it's 'still a satisfying and watchable audience-pleaser'. But it's the early audience reactions where the gloves truly came off and Brick started to sound like it could be in so-bad-it-could-be-entertainingly-good territory – or at least so-bad-you-should-watch-it-to-see-if-you-agree territory. 'Brick is the ultimate grandmother of all bad movies ever made. So bad you can hardly believe it,' seethed Jim H in a challenge I will probably have to take up. 'Watching this was actually painful…Holy [sic.] it's so bad and the actors are terrible,' moaned another fan, adding: 'Do not watch… you will regret it.' Again, this makes me think that maybe I should watch it. Could this perhaps be 2025's answer to The Room, which was infamously dubbed 'the Citizen Kane of bad movies'? Or maybe we're at least in the same ballpark as 2019's Cats or even last year's superhero stinker Madame Web or Disney horror rip-off Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey. Maybe it could even be as bad as Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis, currently one of the worst films I've ever seen. In another half-star reaction, Shiv D called Brick 'one of the WORST movies in the whole world' and wondered 'why did they waste so much money and time for such garbage'. 'Not gonna lie, I just enjoyed when the characters died for the first time in my life. It felt like they deserved it for wasting my time,' they added. 'I don't want you guys to waste your time so just delete it from your library and never watch it.' 'I've rarely seen such a bad, pointless film. Luckily, there's a fast-forward button,' sniped Andrea K on Google. However, others have shared their enjoyment of Brick, with Philipp Rabe calling actor Freddy Lau's performance 'an 11/10'. 'Contrary to my expectations (the reviews and criticism almost put me off watching it), I really liked the film,' shared Ma Bau in a five-star Google review. 'A neat, futuristic idea that might not be so far-fetched in 20 years. Anyone who likes films like Cube will probably be well-served here.' Benjamin M was another rave reviewer, calling Brick 'a pretty amazing and exciting contained thriller with a sci fi twist'. More Trending 'The ensemble and the camera work sticks out, with the plot taking twists you don´t see coming. Fun and cool with that little German hint of weirdness!' he added. Curiosity could just get the better of me this weekend and see me hitting play on Brick. Brick is streaming now on Netflix. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: All 4 films in iconic horror series hailed 'a cinematic masterpiece' coming to Netflix MORE: Dark period drama that 'instantly hooked' viewers is now streaming on Netflix MORE: A new high-speed train is set to link three of Europe's coolest capital cities
Tom's Guide
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Netflix's new psychological thriller movie is a twisted puzzle box with a mostly satisfying solution
Your enjoyment of Netflix's new psychological thriller 'Brick' will be directly tied to how appealing you find its core setup. The original streaming movie sees a troubled couple trapped in their apartment building when a mysterious (and vaguely sinister-looking) brick wall appears overnight, locking them in with seemingly no means of escape. Does that premise sound compelling to you? Then you'll probably enjoy the German movie enough to want to see this puzzle box thriller through to the very end. See, the thing about 'Brick' is that it's constructed on a pretty shaky foundation, with hammy dialogue, soap opera-level performances and such a lack of subtly that it suggests the filmmakers think the average Netflix subscriber has the media literacy of a middle schooler (though based on what often surfaces at the top of the Netflix top 10 most-watched list, they might have a point there). However, despite its many fundamental flaws, I found the need for answers, to understand why this strange wall appeared, and how the protagonists might break through this impenetrable barrier, a compelling enough reason to tolerate, if not forgive, its numerous sins. That things are wrapped up in a largely satisfying way helps make the issues feel like bumps rather than blocks. Curious to know more? Let's dive into everything you need to know about 'Brick' and why I think this new Netflix thriller makes an acceptable case for itself. Even if the case certainly isn't as sturdy as a professionally laid brick wall. Tim (Matthias Schweighöfer) and Olivia (Ruby O. Fee) are a couple on the verge of breaking up following a trauma that has created a barrier between them. But any plans to go their separate ways are quickly halted when, overnight, an unexplained and impenetrable brick wall forms around their Hamburg apartment. Managing to make contact with their neighbors, they discover it's not just their unit encased either; the whole building has been trapped. With no choice but to tunnel down into lower apartments, they soon assemble a ragtag crew of survivors and try to solve the mystery of the wall, but most importantly, find a way to break free before they lose their battle for survival. However, while the wall has locked them away from outside forces, not everybody within the building can be trusted. As the situation escalates, the survivors start to realize that the most dangerous enemies might just be locked in the apartment complex alongside them. Cards on the table, 'Brick' might be one of the least subtle movies I've ever watched. Now, I don't exactly need every movie to be offering ocean-deep levels of subtext, but 'Brick' sure doesn't trust its audience to figure out pretty much anything for themselves. Lead character Tim is trapped in his grief over a past trauma, before being literally trapped in his apartment by the strange brick wall. It's not exactly symbolism that requires a master's degree in film studies to figure out. Don't worry if you missed the painfully obvious clues either, 'Brick' literally spells things out for you in a heated dialogue exchange around two-thirds of the way through. And this over-explaining approach is a constant annoyance. Sometimes it's better to let viewers work this stuff out for themselves. Speaking of dialogue exchanges, you'd best prepare yourself now for some eye-rolling ones. When trying to figure out who (or what) could be responsible for the wall that has enclosed them, one character suggests it could be aliens because they 'saw some UFO videos on TikTok,' and let me tell you my groan at this hammy line was so loud no impenetrable barrier could have muted it. At this stage, you might be thinking I completely loathed 'Brick,' and while it's no candidate for the best Netflix movie of the year, or even of the summer season, there's something about it that kept my attention until the final, surprisingly effective, moment (the closing shot is novel, even if it sports truly awful green-screen CGI). That is largely because the desire for answers burns just as brightly in you as a viewer as it does in the characters on screen. The puzzle box nature of the central setup is engaging. It's referred to as an "escape room" by multiple characters, and the inherent mystery of the situation is one that I enjoyed unravelling, or at least trying to unravel before the movie completely spelled out the answers to me. It also helps that Tim and Olivia very quickly make contact with fellow trapped residents in the apartment blocks, which adds some much-needed spice to their otherwise dull dynamic. I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of a protective grandfather (Axel Werner) and his young granddaughter (Sira-Anna Faal). These two side characters add some heart, and I found myself hoping both would survive the ordeal minutes after meeting them. Plus, for viewers who want a thriller where the stakes are constantly raised, 'Brick' will certainly suffice. The concept of being trapped in an apartment block by a strange wall probably would have been enough to sustain a whole movie, but 'Brick' goes further, adding more immediate antagonists to the mixture and even incorporating murder to keep you on your toes. So while 'Brick' has a large share of issues, and I haven't even touched on the saggy middle portion (shaving 10 or so minutes off the second act would have done wonders for the pacing), there's enough general intrigue to keep you invested until the end. But seriously, whoever wrote that TikTok line should have their screenwriters guild card revoked for at least a few months. If 'Brick' were a full theatrical movie, I certainly wouldn't advise rushing out to your local multiplex and coughing up the increasingly pricey sums for a cinema ticket and snacks, but in the streaming game, where the barrier to entry is much lower, I can just about recommend you give it a shot. But don't mistake that for a ringing endorsement, as noted, there are big issues here. After being intrigued by the movie's initial trailer, my increased expectations weren't close to being met, but after accepting that the all-too-apparent flaws weren't going away around midway through, I was able to strap myself in for the ride and get absorbed in the largely compelling central mystery. After streaming it, I was undoubtedly left with a sense of unfulfilled potential because with stronger direction, better writing, and a willingness to trust its viewers more, 'Brick' could have been something pretty special. Instead, it's ultimately a very pedestrian psychological thriller with just enough to keep you hooked, but certainly not enough merit to be in any way memorable. Alternatively, if you want a movie that will stick with you longer than the time it takes to watch, here's a guide to all the new Netflix movies this month with at least 90% on Rotten Tomatoes. Here you can find some masterpieces, if a mid-movie like "Brick" doesn't hold enough appeal to fill your precious free time. And for even more streaming recommendations, we've also got a full guide to everything new on Netflix in July 2025, which includes movies and TV shows. Watch "Brick" on Netflix now If you're serious about streaming, all the latest releases, you'll surely want to be watching on the best screen possible. Amazon Prime Day is now upon us, and it presents the perfect opportunity to upgrade your home entertainment set-up. Right now, the best TV we're recommending for Prime Day 2025 is the LG C5 OLED, which has received an impressive 33% discount down to $1796 for Amazon's sales event. We called it a "truly special" TV in our 5-star LG C5 OLED TV review. If that's going to break the bank, Amazon has TV bargains to suit practically every budget available now, for a limited time only. - Shop all TVs on sale from $69 at Amazon
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New on Netflix July 5-11: our expert picks the 7 shows and movies to binge this week
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Where I live the new TV schedule is slow, but Netflix gets new releases from around the world and so my weekly list of new movies and shows on Netflix takes us around the globe. As part of my job as What to Watch's streaming editor, every week I look through every new Netflix Original coming to the world's biggest streaming service, and pick a handful of the most-watch additions that people are bound to watch. I only include ones that would be worthy of our lists of the best Netflix shows and best Netflix movies, bringing you only the top picks. This week the list is of new Netflix Originals coming between Saturday, July 5 and Friday, July 11. Netflix's Trainwreck series of hour-long docs based on headline-grabbing events continues with The Real Project X, which lands on Tuesday, July 8. The name alludes to an American coming-of-age film called Project X. The doc looks at a 2012 party in Haren, Netherlands, in which a 16-year-old accidentally made a Facebook event listing public instead of private. What transpired was a party that saw tens of thousands of prospective attendees, and slowly turned into a riot on the streets. Releases on Tuesday, July 8 From Netherlands we move over to Mexico for The Gringo Hunters, which comes out on Wednesday, July 9 and tells a story inspired by real workers. The Gringo Hunters is about a Mexican police unit which hunts down American criminals escaping across the border. Over several episodes they'll investigate cases and try to bring to justice runaways. Releases on Wednesday, July 9 Back to Europe! New thriller series Under a Dark Sun is set in Provence, France, on a prestigious flower farm. The series is about a mother on the run who finds work as a picker at the farm, however she becomes the prime suspect in the murder case of the owner of the farm. As the case continues it emerges that she was the next in line for the estate as she has secret connections with the family who owns it. Releases on Wednesday, July 9 Netflix loves its Asian-made zombie movies and the latest one is called Ziam, which was made in Thailand and comes out this week. Ziam follows a retired boxer who gives up his job to spend time with his girlfriend. However, the doctor where this girlfriend works is attacked by zombies and so he must dust off his knuckles and use his boxing fortitude to fight through the creatures and rescue his partner. Releases on Wednesday, July 9 Netflix fans might recognize the lead of the new German thriller Brick, as Matthias Schweighöfer was also in Army of the Dead and Army of Thieves on the streamer back in 2021. The movie, which is possibly a sci-fi or a horror (The description isn't clear), is about the residents of an apartment building who wake up one day to find a giant wall blocking them in the building. The tenants need to work together to find a way out and work out what's happening to them. Releases on Thursday, July 10 The only American production of the week, Too Much is an anticipated rom-com series created by Lena Dunham which you can watch this week. Too Much is about a New York woman who's rapidly losing friends, and eventually her partner leaves her too. She decides to start again by moving to London and upon arriving, quickly finds a new partner. However this man has just as much wrong with him as she has with her, and they need to improve together if their relationship is going to work. Releases on Friday, July 11 We return to the Netherlands for our final Netflix Original for the week. Almost Cops is a Dutch buddy cop movie, as you can probably tell from the name. The film is set in Rotterdam and tells of an officer trying to make his neighborhood safer, who's paired with a demoted ex detective on the job. As they work they realize that they both knew a murdered person who was dear to them, so they team up to get to the bottom of the crime. Releases on Friday, July 11
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Matthias Schweighöfer Joins Noah Jupe In Jaume Collet-Serra's Thriller ‘Play Dead'
EXCLUSIVE: Matthias Schweighöfer (Army of Thieves) has landed a lead role opposite Noah Jupe in Play Dead, the new survival thriller from Carry-On's Jaume Collet-Serra described as Don't Breathe meets 1917. Further plot details remain under wraps, as do the roles of the duo. Production has just kicked off in Australia. More from Deadline 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping' Casts Kelvin Harrison Jr. As Beetee Colton Dunn, Hayley Magnus & Andrew Lopez Join Will Ferrell In Amazon MGM Comedy 'Judgment Day' Noah Jupe To Star In Jaume Collet-Serra's Thriller 'Play Dead' Peter Stanley-Ward & Natalie Conway penned the script for Play Dead, which Nocturnal will fully finance and produce alongside Ghost House Pictures, BoulderLight Pictures, and Bad Grey. Akiva Nemetsky and Keaton Heinrichs are producing for Nocturnal, along with Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert for Ghost House, JD Lifshitz and Raphael Margules for BoulderLight, and Dane Eckerle for Bad Grey. Romel Adam and Jose Cañas are overseeing for Ghost House, with Louis Winters overseeing for BoulderLight. Scott Greenberg of LBI is exec producing, with Jazmyn Tanski overseeing. German actor Schweighöfer is perhaps best known for directing, producing and starring in Netflix's Army of Thieves, the prequel to Zack Snyder's Army of the Dead, where he also starred. Upcoming, he'll be seen starring in the mystery thriller Brick for Netflix, which will be released on July 10, as well as the thriller series Vanished from Amazon opposite Kaley Cuoco. Additionally, he lends his voice to Pixar's Elio, which releases on June 20. Other recent projects for Schweighöfer include Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer, Milli Vanilli biopic Girl You Know It's True, Netflix's Family Switch opposite Jennifer Garner, Heart of Stone opposite Gal Gadot and Jamie Dornan — also for Netflix — and The Swimmers for director Sally El Hosaini. The actor is repped by UTA and Untitled Entertainment. Best of Deadline 2025-26 Awards Season Calendar: Dates For Tonys, Emmys, Oscars & More Men of Steel: Every Actor Who Has Played Superman - Photo Gallery 'Michael' Cast: Who's Who In The Michael Jackson Biopic
