Room Escape Artist

Find your people

Director: William F. Reed

Writer: William F. Reed

Release Date: 2022

Run Time: 1 hour 42 minutes

Rating: TV-14 or 16+, depending on where you look

REA Reaction

Escape rooms have been around long enough to have infiltrated popular media in a variety of ways. From horror settings (Escape Room series) to comedic environments (Jack Black’s Celebrity Escape Room), from episodic hot spots for character growth (“I’m Making Up for Lost Time” in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and “The Bachelor Party” in Schitt’s Creek) to a backdrop for reality tv (episode 7 of The Parent Test and the entire series of Create the Escape ), there are many opportunities for enthusiasts to geek out (and complain) about portrayals of their favorite hobby. However, the 2022 independent film The Good Hearts Club took the action in a direction it had rarely gone before: behind the scenes of working in a mom-and-pop escape room, sincerely exploring the dynamics that bring these games to life. The result was a feel-good movie that escape room enthusiasts and newbies alike can enjoy.

The simple story of a newly minted gamemaster finding his people exuded authenticity, being loosely based on creator William Reed’s real-life experience working at Lockout Austin. As he described his experience, “what I found at Lockout Austin was more than friends but a family,” a sentiment that shines through the film. I suspect that anyone who has ever forged relationships through escapades and tribulations will find the story relatable. It was made all the more gleeful by the familiar escape room activities and tropes, portrayed not as the butts of jokes but rather as earnest human endeavors.

As an Austinite myself, it was also delightful to connect with the setting of this story so directly. Most of the movie was shot within Lockout Austin, one of the city’s too-few local gems that succumbed to the pandemic. It was a treat to see it resurrected in this way. We enjoyed identifying the room in each scene; The Cursed Ship, CSI Asylum, Area 512, and Blue Meth Breakout all made many appearances, as did the iconic front steps and lobby. Of course, Austin itself also played a roll in the film, from its skyline to its newspapers to its progressive vibe.

I found all these endearing qualities to drive the film for me, overshadowing any less-polished aspects that come with low-budget film-making. Even though it’s not the Best Movie Ever Made, The Good Hearts Club was absolutely worth watching. You won’t find a more earnest, respectful treatment of the hobby in popular media, and its messages of acceptance and community are timely and timeless.

Who is this for?

• Anyone in the mood for a feel-good story
• All escape room enthusiasts and even just the escape-room curious
• Austinites and/or people who played games at Lockout Austin
• 14+ audiences. You’ll know within about five minutes if you want to include your kids

Story

Matt had just joined the gamemastering team at Escape Room Austin, a diverse crew of eccentric personalities bonded through their shared commitment to their responsibilities. However, the company had come under threat from the new Big Chain escape room that just opened next door, leading Matt to dive deep into all aspects of escape rooms to help his newfound friends fight for their beloved company.

Setting

The Good Hearts Club took place in south Austin at the fictional escape room company Escape Room Austin. From the parking lot to the lobby to the rooms and corridors there between, this environment was 100% authentic, shot on location at the (now-closed) escape room company Lockout Austin.

Analysis

➕ This is perhaps the most escape-room-centric movie around, following characters through all facets of the experience.

➕ The myriad scenes shot at Lockout Austin were a welcome blast from the past for those of us who played there. They will also feel authentic to anyone in the industry circa early 2020.

➕ Although escape room enthusiasts and Austinites will have a unique attachment to elements of this movie, the story transcended those audiences. Anyone who has ever wanted to belong somewhere can probably relate. 

➕/➖ A critical reveal reinforced some important themes while undermining others. 

➕ The credits included real-life footage of the crew at Lockout Austin, reinforcing the reality of the movie’s themes. What a cool tribute.

Stream The Good Hearts Club today at Tubi or Amazon Prime.