Brick (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Brick (2025), Netflix’s latest international original, drops us into a claustrophobic and high-concept thriller with a premise that immediately grabs your attention: A couple wakes up to find their entire apartment building encased in a mysterious, impenetrable brick wall. With no escape and limited resources, they must collaborate with estranged neighbors to survive—and maybe discover who, or what, has sealed them in.
Directed and written by Philip Koch, Brick taps into the well-worn “people trapped in a single location” formula, reminiscent of genre favorites like Cube or Escape Room. But does it bring anything fresh to the table, or is this another Netflix Original with more promise than payoff?
Let’s dive in.
Where to Watch “Brick” (2025) Online
Currently, Brick (2025) is streaming exclusively on Netflix.
👉 Watch on Netflix
It’s available in German with English subtitles, but also offers an English dub version—though we strongly recommend sticking to the original language for authenticity and better emotional weight.
A Claustrophobic Thriller with Lofty Goals
At the core of Brick is a compelling survival mystery. Tim (Matthias Schweighöfer) and Liv (Ruby O. Fee), a couple on the verge of breaking up, find themselves locked in—literally—when a techno-organic wall surrounds their building. With no signal, water, or food, they must navigate a crisis with the help (and hindrance) of unfamiliar neighbors.
This setup holds a lot of promise: tension, interpersonal drama, escalating dread, and perhaps even social commentary. The story unfolds mostly within one building, which gives it a stage-play atmosphere that demands strong character development and a tight script. Unfortunately, that’s where the cracks begin to show.
What Works: Concept, Mystery, and a Dash of Style
The film starts strong. The mystery of the wall is genuinely engaging, and the early survival efforts provide a fun “what would you do?” vibe. Director Philip Koch demonstrates moments of visual creativity—spinning shots through drilled floor holes, magnetic tension around the wall, and a moody soundscape that builds suspense even when the plot doesn’t.
Matthias Schweighöfer and Ruby O. Fee deliver solid performances with what they’re given. Their real-life chemistry adds weight to Tim and Liv’s emotional scenes, particularly as they try to reconnect amid the chaos. A few secondary characters (like the quirky conspiracy theorist Yuri) add flair, even if they often feel like cardboard cutouts.
What Doesn’t: Shallow Characters, Weak Script, and Forgettable Stakes
Despite a rich setup, Brick falls short in emotional engagement. The characters are underwritten, leaving little room for growth or empathy. You may not remember half the cast’s names by the end—never a good sign in a survival thriller.
The dialogue feels clunky, especially in the English dub, and the pacing lags midway. Some twists are predictable, and emotional beats—like personal revelations or character deaths—fail to land as deeply as intended.
The CGI, especially in the final act, disappoints. What could have been a jaw-dropping sci-fi revelation becomes a flat, visually muddy climax. Many viewers described the ending as simply “okay” or “rushed,” which reflects a recurring pattern in Netflix Originals that lean heavily on concept and aesthetics, but falter in execution.
Audience Reactions: Divided but Honest
Feedback from viewers paints a mixed picture:
-
Some found it “a nice and easy watch” with a cool idea, even if it lacked memorability.
-
Others praised the mood and setup but criticized the predictable twists, lack of character depth, and poor CGI.
-
A recurring sentiment: great concept, underwhelming execution.
One viewer summed it up perfectly:
“Another entry in the ‘people in a place’ genre. Not a masterpiece, but a cut above mediocre.”
Final Thoughts: Should You Watch Brick (2025)?
If you enjoy survival puzzles, sci-fi mysteries, or ensemble dramas set in confined spaces, Brick might scratch that itch—at least partially. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s serviceable entertainment with just enough suspense to keep you watching.
That said, if you’re looking for a tightly written, emotionally resonant thriller that leaves a lasting impact, this probably isn’t it.
Watch Brick (2025) if:
-
You love contained thrillers like Cube or Escape Room
-
You’re okay with style over substance
-
You’re in the mood for a light, low-stakes mystery
Skip it if:
-
You need deep character arcs or strong writing
-
You’re bothered by weak CGI and flat dialogue
-
You’re expecting a twisty, mind-blowing finale
While Brick (2025) won’t redefine the thriller genre, it offers just enough intrigue to make it a one-time watch—especially for fans of high-concept, contained stories.
Looking for your next weekend stream?
Give Brick a try—but maybe don’t expect it to stick with you for long.
Stream it now on Netflix
And if you’ve already seen it, let us know in the comments—was it a hidden gem or just another brick in the Netflix wall?