Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 14, 2025 · Entertainment

Critics Hate It, Audiences Love It: Netflix's Surprise Sci-Fi Hit Soars to Global Number One

A sci-fi thriller slammed by critics as 'shallow' has defied the odds by becoming Netflix 's number one most-watched movie worldwide just days after its release

SHOCKING SLEEPER HIT: Low-Budget Thriller "Brick" Crushes Netflix Charts Despite Scathing Reviews

In a stunning turn of events, the German psychological thriller "Brick" has defied critics and become the most-watched movie on Netflix worldwide just days after its surprise release. The film, starring Matthias Schweighofer and Ruby O. Fee, was met with overwhelmingly negative reviews from top outlets like Decider, Tom's Guide, and others.

The Critics' Consensus: A Snooze-Fest?

Brick, a German psychological thriller starring Matthias Schweighofer and Ruby O. Fee, debuted on the platform on July 10 with little advertisement of its release

Rotten Tomatoes currently holds a dismal 31% critic score for "Brick", with many calling it a "go-nowhere high-concept thriller" that fails to deliver on its promises. Decider went as far as to urge audiences to "skip it", citing hammy dialogue, over-the-top performances, and a lack of subtlety.

Tom's Guide added their own scathing critique, stating that the film is built on shaky ground with poor writing, acting, and direction. However, what's truly fascinating is that despite these harsh reviews, "Brick" has managed to top the Netflix charts in an astonishing 43 countries, reaching a whopping 44 countries just two days after its release!

The People's Champ: A Thrilling Ride

The film currently holds a low 31 percent critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, with outlets like Decider urging audiences to 'skip it,' describing the movie as a 'go-nowhere high-concept thriller'

But don't just take the critics' word for it! Viewers have been raving about "Brick", praising its non-stop action, mind-blowing twists, and stunning visuals. One enthusiastic fan wrote:

"This movie was an absolute thrill ride from start to finish! The cast is incredible, the camera work is top-notch, and those plot twists? Forget about it! You won't see them coming!"

Another fan gushed: "I loved every minute of this film! It's like a cross between Escape Room and Inception – so clever and engaging. And that German flair adds an extra layer of excitement!"

However, despite the brutal reviews, Brick is dominating Netflix's global charts and has cracked the Top 10 in the US as well

What's Behind the Walls?

So, what's got everyone talking? Set in Hamburg, Germany, "Brick" follows a couple who wake up one morning to find their apartment building sealed off by mysterious black walls. As panic spreads among their neighbors, they must work together to escape and uncover the truth behind their confinement.

Without giving too much away, we can reveal that the film's stunning final twist reveals the walls are part of a high-tech nanotech defense system gone haywire! It's a game-changer!

The Mastermind Behind the Thrill

Philip Kock wrote and directed "Brick", which also stars Frederick Lau, Josef Berousek, Alexander Beyer, Sira-Anna Faal, Murathan Muslu, Axel Werner, and Salber Lee Williams. With its low-budget production values and modest marketing campaign, this sleeper hit has proven that sometimes it's the underdogs that make the biggest splash.

Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling ride as "Brick" continues to dominate Netflix charts!