1997's Cube was one of the big local success stories that proved it was possible to make genre films within a support structure that might not always favour commercially driven narratives. It also stood as a shining example of high concept trumping budgetary restrictions. I can't overstate the shadow it cast over turn of the century Canadian film students. Of course by the time the sequel was coming out, we were graduating - and rather than enjoying continued inspiration, had moved onto the entitled stance of "why wasn't I working on it?" At least I hope I'm not the only person with my background who is self-aware. The verdict is still out. For a myriad of reasons - a few personal - despite having a fondness for the original Cube, this is my first time with its sequel.

The series premise sees strangers waking up in a square room, with panels that lead to similar rooms, while avoiding traps, coming to terms with their situation, and hopefully escaping. Think of it as a high concept SAW, minus the torture porn. They are clever and bleak. My general assumption was, that there is no positive end game to escaping the trap, so what is the point? Spoiler alert. Nothing was done with Hypercube to make me reassess that plot summary. Despite a basic problem with the premise, Hypercube is immensely well done, if not quite measuring up to the precise corners of the original. Cube was a massive hit, which is reflected in the budget here. The cast include a number of local heavyweights - and director Andrzej Sekuła (Pulp Fiction) also shoots, so this is about as visually impressive as one location can be. It's more concept than gore, but does take some dark turns before the close - some edited to grimly comic effect.

Hypercube is clever, and while not everything I was hoping for; it makes the absolute most out of what it's given, which is all you can ask for.

October Horror Wants to Get Outside