The movie begins with Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) waking up in a large, metal elevator that ascends into an open area known as the Glade. He has no memory of his past and is surrounded by a community of other young boys who also can’t recall their previous lives. The Glade is surrounded by towering walls that open into a complex maze.
The Glade is governed by a set of rules, and the boys have organized themselves to survive. Runners, including Minho (Ki Hong Lee), explore the ever-changing maze during the day, mapping its patterns. However, the maze is dangerous, and at night the walls close, trapping anyone inside with the deadly Grievers.
Thomas, fueled by a desire to escape, becomes a Runner and discovers he has a unique ability to navigate the maze. He also forms a bond with a girl named Teresa (Kaya Scodelario), who mysteriously arrives in the Glade, the first girl ever. This event triggers a series of changes in the maze, and the boys suspect that the end of their trials is approaching.
Thomas and the group make a daring attempt to navigate the maze and escape. Along the way, they confront the Grievers and discover the truth behind the maze – it is a test to evaluate their abilities. The maze is a controlled experiment led by a mysterious organization known as WCKD (WICKED).
The survivors ultimately escape the maze, only to find themselves facing a desolate world. They are picked up by a group of soldiers, revealing that the maze was just the beginning of their challenges. The film concludes with the promise of further exploration and the quest to uncover the secrets of WCKD.
“The Maze Runner” received positive reviews for its engaging plot, suspenseful atmosphere, and strong performances. It led to the development of a film franchise, with sequels like “The Scorch Trials” and “The Death Cure.”