Review of Fermat's Room (2007) by Pio C — 28 Apr 2012

This film was just one big entertaining riddle, but one which despite the odd bit of rewind and replaying, I could actually keep on top of. In simple terms, the plot revolves around a small foursome of mathematicians who are confined within a small room under the pretence that there combined intelligence has been summoned to resolve an ongoing enigma! As they soon discover once a series of small riddles are cast at them, the longer they dwell on solving them, the faster the room becomes compressed! The one riddle which they need to unravel though, is how they escape! This is a highly watchable and somewhat interactive spectacle that gets you thinking, as we gradually learn what connects the individuals, why they were chosen, and who is the unknown host 'Fermat'?! The plot is very cleverly thought out and ties up all the loose ends from the questions posed throughout! The film has several twists, none of which are obvious and it keeps us guessing through its entirety.

The only issue with this is that we are drawn to the movie to discover the solution, to see how it unfolds. Once we know this however, there are no other great qualities to warrant repeated value. Action scenes are infrequent and mild, and simply add suspense to the impending climax! Like all good puzzles though, the one-off challenge and ultimately the fun, are over once all the pieces have been fit into place!