What Is Dave Made a Maze About?
The premise of Dave Made a Maze in 294 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a cramped city apartment the ordinary meets the extraordinary when Dave, a restless artist teetering between bursts of inspiration and chronic abandonment, begins constructing a sprawling cardboard structure from the inside out. What starts as a personal project quickly swells into an all‑encompassing labyrinth that seems to pulse with its own peculiar logic. The scent of tape and the hum of hidden mechanisms fill the air, turning the modest living space into a whimsical, almost tactile dreamscape where the line between creation and confinement blurs.
When Annie, Dave’s patient yet increasingly curious girlfriend, returns home she discovers the modest fort is anything but simple. Concerned and fascinated, she calls on their circle of friends: Gordon, a quick‑witted confidant; Leonard, the skeptical thinker; Brynn, whose optimism borders on reckless; Greg, the practical joker; Jane, the quiet observer; and Harry, an aspiring filmmaker eager to capture the oddity on camera. Each brings a distinct perspective—some see an artistic marvel, others a potential disaster—setting the stage for a collective venture that feels as much about personal relationships as it is about the strange edifice itself.
The maze itself becomes a character, its cardboard corridors echoing with soft rustles and sudden, inexplicable motions. The atmosphere balances a quirky, almost childlike wonder with an undercurrent of unease, hinting that imagination, when left unchecked, can take on a life of its own. As the friends step deeper into the structure, they are drawn into a world where origami birds flutter through dimly lit chambers and every turn suggests both a playful secret and a hidden test of resolve. The film invites viewers to wonder what lies beyond each folded wall, promising a journey that is as much an exploration of creative obsession as it is a suspenseful, surreal adventure.
What Happens in Dave Made a Maze?
The complete story of Dave Made a Maze, from the first scene to the last, in 778 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
As Annie departs for the weekend, Dave plunges into his latest artistic project, propelled by an unrelenting creative impulse. Despite a history of abandoning ideas midway and depending on his parents for financial aid, Dave experiences a breakthrough as he intricately crafts a cardboard fortress from the inside out. When Annie returns, she is taken aback by the seemingly mundane fort that conceals extraordinary attributes. As she timidly shakes the exterior, the multitude of machinery and sounds emanating from within sparks her curiosity.
Annie reaches out to Gordon, who invites their group of friends—Leonard, Brynn, Greg, Jane, and Harry, an adventurous filmmaker along with his boom operator and cameraman—for an impromptu visit. They are joined by a homeless man, recruited for his expertise in cardboard, and two unexpected Flemish tourists who bring an air of intrigue. As the friends gather at the apartment, Leonard’s initial enthusiasm wanes when he realizes that entering the fort is impossible. Meanwhile, Harry identifies an opportunity to document Annie’s genuine feelings for Dave and decides to venture into the maze with the others.
As they journey deeper into the labyrinth, Annie, Gordon, Harry, and his crew uncover a realm of surreal marvels and supernatural wonders. They traverse rooms alive with origami birds and other fantastical beings, gradually shifting from awe to a profound appreciation for Dave’s creation. Meanwhile, Leonard lingers in the background, and the Flemish tourists seem engrossed in their own little world, picnicking amidst the cardboard curiosities.
Navigating the increasingly perilous maze, the group encounters Jane, whose unexpected demise at the hands of an ax-wielding Minotaur leads to a bizarre and confetti-filled conclusion. In the chaos, Greg’s ill-considered attempt to disable a trap results in his gruesome disappearance, compelling his friends to confront the reality of the Minotaur’s sinister forces.
As they delve further into the labyrinth’s depths, Annie’s ingenuity uncovers a startling truth: the maze itself is alive, its walls throbbing with a mysterious energy. The group’s shock escalates into horror when the Minotaur seizes Brynn, plunging them into despair.
Their desperate quest takes an unsettling twist when they encounter Dave, who bears cryptic warnings that only deepen the maze’s mystery. As they navigate through the treacherous turns, they come across Dave’s own strange affliction: his hand has morphed into a cardboard contraption—a peculiar side effect of his prior experimentation with the labyrinth’s hidden vulnerabilities.
As tensions rise and the situation grows dire, the friends become convinced that their best chance of escaping lies in attacking the maze’s core. While Dave hesitates, Annie’s unwavering resolve drives them forward, leading them to a surreal and disturbing revelation: a cardboard puppet version of Brynn, trapped in an endless loop of begging for high-fives.
Meanwhile, Gordon, Harry, and the crew become entranced by the puppet’s antics, obliviously distracted from the maze’s true nature. As Dave and Annie approach the heart of the labyrinth, they stumble upon a strange zoetrope-like creation that seems to capture the very essence of the maze.
Their progress catalyzes a cascade of surreal and horrifying events: the puppet version of Brynn triggers a demonic hand that drags the cameraman into chaos. As Harry clings to a bag of tapes, he finds himself falling prey to the whims of the labyrinth. In the midst of this madness, they must confront the true horror of their predicament: a living, breathing maze that ensnares them in its grip unless they can unravel its secrets and navigate its deadly traps.
When the group regroups, Gordon smartly diverts the Minotaur’s attention, affording the others a chance to strategize. However, tragedy strikes as Leonard falls victim to a gruesome fate, taken out by seemingly innocuous cardboard saw blades. With the Minotaur briefly distracted, Dave, Annie, Harry, and the boom operator seize the moment, positioning themselves for a final assault on the maze’s heart. Armed with a razor-sharp katana, they deliver a decisive strike that sends the walls crashing down. When the dust settles, the group finds themselves back in their apartment, surrounded by the remnants of their cardboard creations. Harry promptly turns to Gordon, entrusting him with the grave responsibility of informing the families of the fallen. Meanwhile, Dave becomes engrossed in brainstorming a title for their documentary, leading Annie to sarcastically suggest, “Dave Made a Maze,” despite Gordon’s insistence that it should be called a labyrinth.
As they finish clearing away the last of the cardboard debris and tossing it into the dumpster, Dave and Annie are oblivious to the Minotaur emerging from the wreckage, accompanied by an origami bird. The creature ambles away, holding a mysterious “I Love You” sign, leaving the group to contemplate the surreal and baffling nature of their adventure.
Dave Made a Maze Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Annie Leaves for the Weekend” to “The Minotaur's Final Appearance”. 14 events name a place, across 2 locations.
- 1
Annie Leaves for the Weekend
Annie departs for a weekend getaway, giving Dave the freedom to dive deep into his artistic endeavors. With her absence, he feels a surge of creative energy, pushing him to embark on a project he has often left unfinished.
- 2
Dave Builds the Cardboard Fortress
Driven by an unyielding creative impulse, Dave begins constructing an elaborate cardboard fortress. This seemingly mundane creation is a reflection of his imagination and serves as a canvas for his artistic expression.
Where:Dave's apartment
- 3
Annie's Return
Upon Annie's return, she is astonished by the fort that Dave has created. Initially viewing it as simple cardboard, she soon becomes intrigued by the mysterious sounds and machinations that emanate from within.
Where:Dave's apartment
- 4
Gathering Friends for a Visit
Annie invites their friends, including Gordon, Leonard, Brynn, Greg, Jane, and Harry, for an impromptu exploration of Dave's creation. This eclectic group brings with them a mix of excitement and trepidation as they anticipate the wonders inside.
Where:Dave's apartment
- 5
Entry into the Maze
As the friends attempt to enter the fort, Leonard’s enthusiasm diminishes upon realizing the challenge of accessing the interior. Meanwhile, Harry decides to document their exploration, eager to capture Annie's genuine emotions towards Dave's masterpiece.
Where:Dave's apartment
- 6
Discovering Surreal Wonders
Within the maze, Annie, Gordon, and the others discover rooms filled with origami birds and fantastical creations. Their wonder transforms into a deeper appreciation for Dave's artistic vision as they navigate this surreal labyrinth.
Where:Inside the cardboard fortress
- 7
Tragic Encounter with the Minotaur
The group's journey takes a dark turn when they encounter Jane, who meets a gruesome fate at the hands of an ax-wielding Minotaur. This shocking event marks a shift from curiosity to sheer terror as they realize they're facing genuine peril.
Where:Inside the cardboard fortress
- 8
Brynn's Capture
As they delve deeper into the maze, the group watches in horror as Brynn is seized by the Minotaur. Their hopes of escaping the encroaching doom begin to fade as they confront the likely fatal dangers that dwell within.
Where:Inside the cardboard fortress
- 9
Facing Dave's Affliction
Amidst the chaos, they encounter Dave, who reveals that his hand has transformed into a cardboard contraption due to his earlier experiments with the labyrinth. His affliction serves as a grim reminder of the maze’s surreal and nightmarish reality.
Where:Inside the cardboard fortress
- 10
Unraveling the Maze's Secrets
As they navigate the maze's depths, Annie leads the group to a startling realization: the maze itself is alive. With each twist and turn, they begin to understand that their survival rests on deciphering the very essence of this living labyrinth.
Where:Inside the cardboard fortress
Show the other 5 events of Dave Made a Maze Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Gordon Diverts the Minotaur
In a precarious moment, Gordon devises a plan to distract the Minotaur, giving the group a brief opportunity to regroup. This moment of strategic thinking represents their last hope for an organized escape from the ongoing madness.
Where:Inside the cardboard fortress
- 12
Final Assault on the Maze
With tensions running high, the group unites for a final assault on the maze's core. Fueled by desperation, they wield a katana and strike at the heart of the labyrinth, leading to a chaotic unraveling of their surroundings.
Where:Inside the cardboard fortress
- 13
Return to Reality
As the dust clears, the friends find themselves back in their apartment, surrounded by the remnants of their cardboard creations. The experience has altered their perceptions, leaving them to process the bizarre adventure they just endured.
Where:Dave's apartment
- 14
Reflecting on the Experience
As they begin clearing away the last of the cardboard debris, Dave starts brainstorming a title for their documentary. Annie's sarcastic suggestion, 'Dave Made a Maze,' encapsulates the surreal journey they undertook.
Where:Dave's apartment
- 15
The Minotaur's Final Appearance
Unbeknownst to the group, the Minotaur emerges from the wreckage with an origami bird and a mysterious 'I Love You' sign. This strange conclusion leaves them pondering the implications of their adventure and the enigmatic nature of the labyrinth.
Where:Dave's apartment
Who Are the Main Characters in Dave Made a Maze?
7 characters, among them Annie, Dave and Gordon: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 6 of them link to the actor’s page.
- A
Annie
Annie is characterized by her curiosity and pragmatism, which propels her to seek the truth behind Dave's maze. Throughout their adventure, her resourcefulness and determination shine through, particularly as she navigates the dangers and motivations of her friends.
- 👩🎨 Artist
- 📝 Determined
-
Dave
Played by James Urbaniak
Dave embodies the archetype of the struggling artist, showcasing both brilliance and insecurity. His zeal for creating the maze represents his deepest desires but also his fears of inadequacy and failure, which are compounded when the maze takes on a life of its own.
- 👨🎨 Creative
- 😟 Anxious
- G
Gordon
Played by Frank Caeti
Gordon serves as both a friend and a voice of reason within the group. He balances enthusiasm for the adventure with a realistic approach, often strategizing ways to deal with the chaos introduced by the maze and its challenges.
- 🧠 Strategist
- 👨👧👦 Loyal
- H
Harry
Played by John Hennigan
Harry is an adventurous filmmaker eager to document the unfolding events, yet his obsession with capturing the moment often blinds him to the dangers surrounding the group. His character explores the intersection of art and experience in a chaotic environment.
- 🎥 Filmmaker
- 🌪️ Distracted
- L
Leonard
Played by Scott Krinsky
Leonard initially displays excitement at the idea of the maze but soon becomes disillusioned when faced with the reality of its dangers. His journey serves as a cautionary tale of overestimating one's abilities in a wild and unpredictable space.
- 😬 Hesitant
- 🚪 Curious
- B
Brynn
Played by Kirsten Vangsness
Brynn embodies a sense of humor and lightness in dire circumstances but faces grave danger as her character encounters the Minotaur. Her unexpected demise highlights the film's darker tones amidst its whimsical nature.
- 😂 Humorous
- 🎭 Unfortunate
-
Jane
Played by Meera Rohit Kumbhani
Jane's story arc takes a tragic turn as she confronts a deadly reality within the maze. Her demise serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks in their adventurous pursuit, shifting the narrative from whimsical to horrifying.
- 😱 Tragic
- 🚨 Danger
Where and When Is Dave Made a Maze Set?
Dave Made a Maze is set in Dave's Apartment and The Cardboard Maze. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The movie unfolds in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern creative pursuits and personal relationships. This timeframe allows for the exploration of themes like artistic expression and the consequences of ambition within the context of friendship.
Where
Dave's Apartment, The Cardboard Maze
The primary setting for the movie is Dave's apartment, where he creates an elaborate cardboard maze. This maze, while originating from a mundane space, becomes a fantastical realm teeming with surreal wonders and dangers, known for its living, breathing properties and intricate designs that confound and amaze its visitors.
- 🏠 Home
- 🌌 Fantasy
What Are the Themes of Dave Made a Maze?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Creativity, Survival and Reality vs. Illusion.
-
01
Creativity
The film explores the theme of creativity through Dave's relentless drive to construct his cardboard maze, representing both his artistic aspirations and his struggles with self-doubt. As his friends navigate the maze, they discover the depths of inspiration and the chaos that can stem from an unfettered creative process.
-
02
Survival
Survival becomes a pressing theme as the characters confront the dangers embedded in the maze. They must harness their wits and teamwork to escape the Minotaur and the deadly traps, highlighting the lengths to which friends will go to save one another in extreme circumstances.
-
03
Reality vs. Illusion
The film plays with the boundary between reality and illusion as Dave's cardboard creation transforms into a living entity. As the characters delve deeper, they confront their perceptions of art and reality, illustrating how creativity can warp and expand the truth.
What Kind of Film Is Dave Made a Maze?
Whimsical in tone, with fast pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Whimsical
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Ambiguous
A whimsical and fast-paced surreal adventure inside a living cardboard maze, blending playful absurdity with moments of genuine peril and a quirky, handmade aesthetic.
- quirky
- surreal
- playful
- anxious
- adventurous
- dreamlike
- creative frustration
- imagination
- artistic process
- survival
Content notes: character death, traps and peril.
Quiz
How well do you remember Dave Made a Maze? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch Dave Made a Maze
Stream it on Hoopla and Kanopy, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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