The Belko Experiment

Inside a gleaming corporate complex eighty workers suddenly find every exit sealed and all usual routines stripped away. A calm, unseen voice announces that they must compete in a brutal game with a grim objective, and no one is immune to the consequences. The rules shift on a dime, demanding quick, costly decisions as the clock ticks down. Fear and suspicion spread as colleagues trade accusations, alliances, and whispered theories about the purpose behind the ordeal. Some cling to vestiges of their former roles, others improvise improvised strategies to survive. The pressure reveals raw nerves, power struggles, and the fragile line between solidarity and self preservation. Even well liked supervisors face choices that threaten friendships and reputations in the office.

Released in 2016, The Belko Experiment was directed by Greg McLean and built from an original screenplay by James Gunn. The film marks Gunn's expansion from comics into live action and showcases a tight, claustrophobic setup anchored by ensemble performances.

It grossed $11,792,942 worldwide against a $5 million budget, making it a modest performer that earned enough to justify the production and attract a following in home video and streaming. Fans cite repeat viewings and practical effects as highlights online.

Critical reception was mixed to positive, with praise for the tense setup, practical effects, and the way the script probes group dynamics under stress. The movie raises questions about authority, conformity, and moral risk in a workplace where survival justifies drastic choices. Its blunt commentary on corporate culture stays relevant.

The film sparked conversations about crowd pressure, moral agency, and the ethics of coercive systems. While not a mainstream phenomenon, it left a mark on horror thrillers that use a closed setting to test loyalty and principle, and it continues to provoke debate among viewers long after the credits roll.