The theme of the movie sounds familiar: a dystopian world where teens are trapped in an arena and must learn to survive. However, “The Maze Runner” offers much more than the current mantra of young adult films: the film has a fresh twist, offering a new perspective on survival through community and leadership.

The film follows Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) as he is launched into “the glade,” an oasis at the center of the maze. In the glade, Thomas is welcomed into a community with other teenage boys, who, like Thomas, can’t remember who they are, where they come from, or how they got into the maze. Thomas soon realizes that he must explore the maze for any chance of escape, clashing with glade leader Gally (Will Poulter) over the future of the boys. Soon after Thomas’ arrival to the glade, Teresa (Kaya Scodelario) arrives, the only girl in the isolated colony, bringing unprecedented change and answers.

Kaya Scolderia remarks on how the film is compared within the YA genre, “It’s strange that teen, young adaption, dystopian films get compared all of the time, because we don’t really do that with any other genre. I think it’s because it’s a new genre.We keep having to compare it, we keep having to try to stand out. With Batman and Superman, that doesn’t happen. But I’m proud to be a part of something like this because I strongly believe that these films are getting a generation of young people back together again. Young people are reading the same book, discussing the same book, going to the movies together, saving up to buy that ticket…to go and have that experience is really special.”

Scolderia notes that “The Maze Runner” stands out, “And our movie, if you want us to list what kind of sets it apart from other things, it’s about togetherness, it’s about a brotherhood. It’s not about killing each other, or trying to pit people against each other. There’s also no love story, which is one of the main reasons I wanted to do it. It’s just an action film, it’s a through and through action movie. We don’t waste time on dates in the woods.”

Poulter also comments on the film, “At the heart of the movie is the idea that humans are innately good there. And I think the reaction of the characters to the very extraordinary circumstance is to come together.”

The film, directed by Wes Ball, is an adaptation of James Dashner’s best-selling novel. “The Maze Runner” premieres on September 19 in Atlanta and theaters across the country. The movie caters to every taste–it is a must-see for young adult, sci-fi, and action fans this weekend.