‘Fermat’s Room’ is an Intense Cross Between ‘Clue’ and ‘Cube’
Tyler Doupe'
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Hey, Dread Central readers. January 29th was National Puzzle Day. And with that in mind, I am excited to be championing a special cinematic treat. That treat is Fermat’s Room. This overlooked effort is a nerve-shredding and atmospheric offering that is likely to keep you guessing right up until the bitter end. It’s an oversimplification to say this. But the easiest way to sum up Fermat’s Room in a sentence is to say it’s a little bit like Clue meets Cube. So, if that comparison piques your curiosity, read on for the full rundown!
This Spanish-language flick sees a group of brilliant mathematicians each being sent a solicitation with a puzzle to solve. Those that reply with the correct answer are then invited to a meeting of the minds. After the guests arrive at the rendezvous point mentioned in the invite, they are eventually led to their ultimate destination. Upon arriving, the attendees are given a variety of enigmas that they must solve. From there, the strangers quickly learn that this is no ordinary soiree. The guests are punished for failing to correctly answer the questions in the time allotted. And the consequence for failure? They’re locked in a room that shrinks slightly with each incorrect answer.
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Fermat’s Room is filled with atmosphere and serves up high levels of suspense right out of the gate. Every aspect of the picture is a mystery. Those called to the gathering meet under pseudonyms. What’s more, no one seems to know for sure who actually called the meeting. The mystery and uncertainty, which are immediately present, serve to foster an air of anticipation. Right from the get-go, we know that sinister forces are at work. But the true nature of the evil remains unknown for the majority of the picture’s runtime.
It’s common for critics and cinephiles alike to say that a movie invokes a sense of claustrophobia and gives the sensation that the walls are closing in. But in the case of Fermat’s Room, that isn’t just hyperbole. Writer/directors Luis Piedrahita and Rodrigo Sopeña have dreamt up a scenario where the walls are literally closing in on the characters as they race to solve each enigma. Once each riddle is solved, the PDA sends a new math problem. There is no downtime, no chance for the characters (or the audience) to catch their breath. The concept is brought to life in a harrowing and suspenseful fashion that always finds me perched on the edge of my seat.
In addition to existing as a suspenseful and engaging thriller, Fermat’s Room is also simply fascinating to watch. It’s surprisingly engaging to see the mathematical principles at play and observe the genius-level characters as they scramble to piece together each puzzle. I normally find math problems to be painstakingly boring. But this flick takes a subject many may consider mundane to unbearably suspenseful places.
In addition to somehow making math frightening, Fermat’s Room also benefits from some gorgeous cinematography. The shots from above, that look down upon the room are breathtaking to look at and, more importantly, serve to enhance the ever-present sense of claustrophobia. As the camera pans farther away, the room begins to look smaller and smaller, giving the impression that its occupants are running out of both space and time.
The film also features stellar performances across the board. Alejo Sauras, Elena Ballesteros, Lluís Homar, and Santi Millán turn in arresting showings as Galois, Oliva, Hilbert, and Pascal respectively. Each is carrying some sort of secret they initially intend to keep from the group. But finding out exactly what that secret is and how it may relate to their situation serves to add an extra layer of intensity to an already vexing journey.
Like many films of its ilk, Fermat’s Room features a somewhat unexpected twist. But because it’s well-supported, the flick still has infinite replay value. Aside from being well-supported, the twist is also rather satisfying. The planning of the get-together, the execution, and the motive behind it all serve to make the experience all the more exciting when all is revealed. That’s pretty impressive, considering how many films seem to botch the twist ending and eliminate any need for return visits.
So, if you think Fermat’s Room sounds like your cup of tea, you can stream the flick on AMC+ or via IFC Unlimited as of the publication of this post. And if you’d like to chat more about hidden gems and overlooked treasures, you can find me on Twitter @FunWithHorror.
Categorized:Editorials
