What I liked
I really enjoyed the puzzle designs for the participants in the experiment, and the intelligent way that the narrative is informed from start to finish by the truth revealed in the ending, which unlocks new understanding of all that came before. Each character’s backstory offers something unique and intriguing, and the message is a powerful reminder of the importance of the “Golden Rule.”
What I didn't like
There are moments where the actors are riveting, but there are also some where they are stiff or over-perform. The first 10-15 minutes are a little slow, and it takes time for things to warm up.
My overall impression
Fans of the “Escape Room” or “Cube” films will likely be drawn to this work—CADENZA is a smartly-crafted psychological thriller that challenges us to ask what we believe makes a person irredeemable, if such people are capable of change, and what punishments truly fit the crime.
