A new German thriller has climbed to the top of Netflix’s global rankings this July, but not everyone’s convinced it deserves the buzz. Brick, directed by Philip Koch, stars real-life couple Matthias Schweighöfer and Ruby O. Fee as Tim and Olivia, a grieving pair whose already-strained relationship takes a surreal turn when a mysterious black wall seals them inside their apartment complex.
The film blends sci-fi and psychological drama, turning a literal wall into a metaphor for emotional barriers and trauma. As the couple teams up with other residents to unravel the mystery, the tension builds through eerie visuals and claustrophobic set pieces. The setup is high-concept, tapping into the same kind of existential unease that made hits like Cube and The Platform stand out.
While Brick has struck a chord with audiences earning spots in Netflix’s Top 10 across more than 90 countries, critical response has been far more subdued. Many reviewers have praised the film’s strong performances and inventive production design, but say it doesn’t quite deliver on its premise. The central mystery is criticised as being too obvious, and the emotional themes come across as heavy-handed for some.
Still, for a film that came seemingly out of nowhere, Brick is proving to be a streaming hit, drawing big viewership despite its mixed reception. Whether it’s a cult classic in the making or a brief viral moment, Brick has people talking and watching.
