The Runner

A boy named Thomas wakes up as he finds himself trapped in a rusty elevator. He has no memory of his identity or how he arrived there, which marks the beginning of his bewildering journey.

Upon emerging from the elevator, Thomas is greeted by a group of boys in the grassy expanse known as The Glade. They explain their life within the Glade, which is surrounded by towering stone walls and adjoined by a mysterious maze.

Alby, the leader of the Gladers, informs Thomas of the rules surrounding the Maze. Every day, designated Runners venture into the Maze to find an escape route, but they must return before nightfall when the maze doors close.

As Thomas contemplates entering the Maze, he is confronted by Gally, who warns him against leaving the Glade. This interaction hints at the tension existing between Thomas and the other boys.

Amidst a conflict with Gally, Thomas suddenly uncovers his name. This moment marks a crucial milestone in his journey, as he begins to piece together his lost memories.

After Ben, a runner, is attacked and infected by a Griever, the others decide to force him into the Maze to prevent him from endangering them. This incident underscores the dangerous reality of life within the Glade.

Minho, another Runner, and Alby attempt to track Ben's movements in the Maze but are delayed after Alby is stung by a Griever. Their perilous situation pushes Thomas to take action before nightfall.

Risking his life, Thomas enters the Maze to save Alby and Minho. He successfully traps a Griever and helps them escape, showcasing his bravery and willingness to defy the odds.

The following morning, a girl named Teresa arrives in the elevator with a note announcing she is the last newcomer. Her mysterious tie to Thomas creates further intrigue and deepens the narrative.

Teresa informs Thomas that they share memories of being subjected to experiments. Both recall being underwater, suggesting a profound connection and hinting at their pasts before the Glade.

Using a device retrieved from a dead Griever, Thomas and Minho discover a possible way out of the Maze. Their findings create hope among the Gladers as they seek liberation.

That night, the Gladers are besieged by a swarm of Grievers, leading to chaos and violence. Alby is taken by the Grievers, forcing Thomas and the others to confront the dangers outside the safety of the Glade.

Thomas injects himself with a stinger and regains memories of the experiments conducted by WCKD, realizing that their lives have been manipulated as part of a larger scheme. This epiphany shifts the focus of their escape efforts.

In a climactic moment, Gally attempts to thwart their escape, but the group rallies behind Thomas. Their collective determination signifies the shifts in leadership and trust amongst the boys.

The survivors are whisked away by armed men, revealing the maze is situated in a devastated landscape. They soon learn the truth about the experiment and the world beyond, promising new challenges ahead.