Flight Risk (2025)
It’s very unlike me to watch recent thriller/action films. Why? I used to believe that movies made in this era were cliché and not as good as those from 2018–2022. But after watching “Companion”, I was intrigued to see more films from 2025.
This particular film had me in a chokehold. I was glued from beginning to end. The suspense was enough to keep me going, although I did experience some claustrophobia due to the confined setting of the aircraft.
Synopsis
Flight Risk (2025) is an action thriller directed by Mel Gibson, featuring Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Dockery, and Topher Grace in leading roles. The film centers on a high-stakes mission where Madolyn Harris, a federal agent, is tasked with transporting Winston, a fugitive, aboard a small aircraft to testify against an enemy of the state. Piloted by a seasoned aviator whose name remains unknown, trust is tested as unforeseen challenges and tensions arise, testing the ingenuity of all onboard.
My Thoughts?
First things first, I like the film’s straightforward approach; no annoying twists or ambiguous ending. I also appreciate how it intertwines comedy and violence. Conversely, I was utterly disgusted by Wahlberg’s role. I’ve known him for rugged characters, but seeing him portray the villain in this one just didn’t sit right with me. Maybe it’s the dry jokesi found none funny, or perhaps his performance was overshadowed by a script caught between intense drama and unintentional comedy.
The only character I found genuinely funny and who also managed to win my empathy was Winston. His role fits him perfectly. Maybe because he has the look for it.
On the other hand, Harris (Michelle Dockery) delivers a steadfast performance as the federal agent, providing a grounding presence amidst the turbulence of the plot. However, she was too slow to take out her opponent. The unnamed pilot was an obvious threat even before they were halfway through the Alaskan wilderness. She had an opportunity to neutralize him before he could pose further danger, but instead, she chose to engage in a verbal exchange, which, in my opinion, was unrealistic. It’s common knowledge that when someone is deemed a threat to government property in dire situations like the one Harris and Winston faced, immediate action is taken. Keeping him alive felt illogical, given that he was clearly a threat and contributed nothing to their survival.
The film’s pacing is even, in my opinion, with a fully realized potential. I’ll warn you ahead; if you’re excessively claustrophobic, do not engage.
The film delivers. It’s entertaining, well-paced, and doesn’t rush its climax. If you’re a fan of traditional action thrillers, I absolutely recommend it.
Final Rating: 4/5.